Classes at UL!

Main entrance to the University of Limerick, marked by the 2 beautious flags

So I know many of you have been curious as to what classes are like here at the University of Limerick(UL)! After all, that is why I'm technically here.... All of the weekend trips, adventures and meeting new people are just added bonuses of studying abroad. :) With the way classes are structured at UL, it can be very easy to fall behind if school isn't your primary focus.  We are now in week 5 of classes, and I have not had one homework assignment. In Ireland, students are expected to stay on top of coursework by completing the textbook readings and articles associated with the lectures each week.  It is a lot more of an "independent" type learning style.  I am currently taking 5 classes (or "modules" as they are called here): Irish Folklore, a management class, and 3 marketing courses. Final exams, projects, and essays are typically weighted much more than back home.  For instance, one of my marketing classes has an assignment worth 70% of my grade, and a final worth the remaining 30%. That's it!
My favorite class right now would probably be my Irish Folklore class. It's very interesting to learn about the Irish culture.  As one can surely imagine, this class is entirely consumed by international students.  In all of my other modules it's primarily Irish students and a only a handful of study abroad students.  In any case, the past two weeks we have been discussing Irish Funerary Traditions (sounds morbid I know, but its highly fascinating) and things like the Merry Wake.  Our lecturer hopes to bring in a storyteller at some point in March. Below is a picture of the St. Brigit's Cross I made during the second week of class to celebrate "Imbolc" or "St. Brigit's Day" marking the beginning of spring on the Gaelic calendar.  I think I shall wrap this up and give it to my sister Bridget.

A note about the campus- Upon arrival to the university, new students are given a tour of campus followed by a two day orientation.  The campus is a fairly decent size; it usually doesn't take more than 10-12 minutes to get anywhere though. I ran into a little trouble finding my classes the first week. However, if you ask enough people you'll find your way.  The Irish are very friendly and more than willing to point you in the right direction.

Day Trip: Cork City & Blarney Castle

Farmer's Market

Last Saturday I ventured over to the beautiful city of Cork as well as Blarney Castle (little over an hour drive from Limerick). This was an event planned through the international student society I am a part of here at the University of Limerick. I highly recommend this club for anyone studying abroad here in the future, as they have many fun trips & events taking place each weekend.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED CORK. 

We were given about 4 hours to roam the city and do as we please; although the weather was slightly chilly and rainy, my friends and I enjoyed perusing through all of the cute little shops.  My favorite part was undoubtedly the farmers market, however. There are few things in life that excite and delight me more than homemade food.  Fresh bread, cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, homemade sweets and any type of meat you could desire, all in one convenient little market. I discovered that I am quite a big fan of the homemade Irish soda bread. While in Cork we also visited the St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, and had chicken & pesto crepes by the river. It was quite the enjoyable afternoon.  
Blarney Castle is another "must see." Atop the medieval castle lies the famous Blarney Stone. It is believed that if one kisses it, they will be blessed with gift of gab and have eloquent speech!  I've posted these pictures below, as well as some pretty pictures from the lovely gardens surrounding the castle:)

Everything is just green, green, green!

Kissing the Blarney Stone, must be done upside down!