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!

First Week/Tour of Plassey

     It has been an interesting first week in Limerick, Ireland!  I've already gone through two umbrellas- The weather here is quite unpredictable (although favorable compared to the "Polar Vortex" occurring back home). It drizzles on and off throughout the day.  The rain doesn't seem to phase the Irish at all, however. In fact, I've noticed many of them don't carry umbrellas or even wear rain boots.
     Ireland truly is an Emerald Isle and is exactly what one would imagine it to be.  It was remarkable flying into Shannon airport and seeing the countryside from an aerial perspective.  I think my mother would die to have a yard full of grass as green and lush as Ireland.
     Grocery shopping for the first few times actually proved to be quite the adventure.  One should know that plastic bags are NOT provided upon checkout.  Customers are expected to purchase a re-usable bag or bring their own.  While at times this may perhaps seem inconvenient, I like their eco-friendly approach.  Depending on the store, you may also have to pay to use the grocery carts.  I'm sure the locals can easily spot the foreigners carrying arms full of groceries around the store.  Products in Europe also contain a lot less preservatives than in the United States.  This means they expire faster, so people generally don't buy as many things at once.    
    Perhaps one of the most amusing things thus far has been learning Irish words as well as Irish "slang." I will share with you a few of the terms I have learned:

-The word "Craic" (pronounced "crack") is often used in place of the word "fun".  For instance, an Irish student said to me the other day, "Rugby is good craic." I was taken aback momentarily.

-Many of you I am sure know this next one. The Irish refer to their french fries as "chips," and call potato chips "crisps." I had forgotten about this the first time I had a meal here!

-The next word, "muppet," I haven't really heard used as much.  It often refers to an ignoramus or foolish person. If you are ever called a muppet, I would certainly not take that as a compliment.

-Everything in Ireland truly is "grand." I have heard this used countless times in conversation the past week.  In this aspect it really is like the movies. I smile each time I hear it.

I have posted below a video I filmed of where I am living during my stay! There are five villages on campus that students may choose to live in.  The houses in the villages are essentially like apartments, or town houses with anywhere from 4 to 8 people (of either gender).  Each student gets his or her own bedroom, and shares the kitchen and living room area. If you have any questions please feel free to comment!

 

Ireland Facts!

Hello everyone! I leave for Ireland in just a few short days. I am currently in the process of packing and purchasing last minute necessities (like umbrellas). Posted above is a map of the country, and circled in red is the city of Limerick, where the University of Limerick is obviously located. It is this exciting place where I will be spending the next four months:)

Some quick facts about Ireland that I found interesting:

• Population: 4,775, 982 
• Capital: Dublin
• Approximately 87.4% of the people are Roman Catholic

- Ireland is a little over 1/3 the size of Michigan.

-There are apparently no snakes (thankfully) on the entire island of Ireland. This is due to its isolation from the rest of Europe; moles, polecats, roe deer, and weasels will also not be found. 

-Many of the Irish have last names beginning with "Mac" or "O'..." which means respectively "son of" and "grandson of" in Gaelic. 

-Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom and comprises of approximately 20% of the island of Ireland. Their standard of currency is the Pound, while the rest of Ireland uses Euros.

Sources: 

http://www.eupedia.com/ireland/trivia.shtml 

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ei.html