 |
Katie Cosman SUNY Cortland Senior Studying at University College Cork, Ireland |
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Katie Cosman, a senior Archaeology major at SUNY Cortland. Katie is studying abroad at University College Cork in Ireland.
|
So Katie, let's dive right in. How did you first hear about the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland?
|
"I am currently the only student from my college studying abroad at University College Cork in Ireland through SUNY Cortland's program. I learned about it by investigating different study-abroad meetings and information sessions over the past few semesters."
|
| "Since being abroad, I have already taken part in an early start lecture on Irish Archaeology. This course had field trips built in that took me all around Ireland while simultaneously incorporating information that we learned in each of our lectures... |
|
We went to so many interesting sites and historical landmarks over the 3 weeks of classes. For the rest of the semester, I plan to take advantage of free weekends to explore as much of Ireland and surrounding countries as I possibly can. Taking part in the early start program presented me with the perfect opportunity to meet other students who shared my interests and passions. In the month I've been here, I have already formed a small group of students from across the states who are just as enthusiastic to explore and travel as I am! I have also met many Cork locals in my other classes who are extremely kind and excited to talk to people from outside of Ireland."
That sounds amazing. How big of a culture shock has it been? If any.
|
|
"Fortunately, I haven't experienced much culture shock since my arrival, especially since there isn't a language barrier to get over. The hardest thing to adjust to so far has been learning how to navigate in a larger city after growing up in a small country town. In terms of differences in educational systems, Ireland doesn't seem too different from the US. Being an archaeology major, I'm used to having an abundance of papers to write, and, so far, my Irish archaeology classes have followed that same pattern."
What methods have you used to stay connected with your friends and family back in New York while being overseas? |
|
|
| "To keep in contact with friends and family back home, I have heavily utilized WhatsApp and other social media to share photos and stories from my adventures. The time difference is a bit of a challenge, but it's nice to hear from people regardless. I have also sent many postcards and letters back home; not the most common form of communication anymore, but that's what makes it fun." |
How has your experience studying abroad impacted your perception of New York and the United States?
|
"In the short time that I have been here, I don't feel that I can properly articulate my perception of the difference between Ireland versus New York and the US. I would say that people are nicer and more helpful here, but that's a naive-young-traveler thing to say. I suppose one thing that I could compare is how driven the UCC campus is about recycling and green energy: it's the highest-ranking Green University in the world!
|
So far, my favorite thing about where I am studying is how easy it is to travel. With cars, taxis, trains, public transportation, and ferries, everything in Ireland is only a couple hour ride away. To be more specific about my favorite thing about the city of Cork: there are cafés, pubs, and bookstores EVERYWHERE. It is so much fun to be able to wander around downtown with friends and pop in for a coffee or pint whenever and wherever we want. I have only just begun to make plans for the rest of my semester, but I hope to travel more around the major cities of Ireland and gradually make my way to Scotland, England, and France. I have friends studying abroad in other countries right now that I would love to go and visit."
|
Thank you so much for sharing some of your studying abroad experiences; we wish you success and safety while studying. Thank you, Katie. Do you have any last thoughts for those who desire to study abroad?
|
"I feel very fortunate to be able to go on an adventure as amazing as this and can't wait to spread the word to other students back at SUNY Cortland. Traveling abroad is something that I believe everyone should experience at least once in their lives. It truly opens your eyes to the world and helps you to discover who you are as a person."
Comments
Post a Comment