Studying Abroad: Our students’ personal experiences offer practical insights for anyone considering a semester overseas or looking to learn more about international study opportunities.
As part of her Master’s degree in Molecular Microbiology, Luka spent time studying abroad in Cork (Ireland), where she expanded her specialist knowledge of microbiology and honed her skills in scientific writing in English.
From September to the end of December 2025, I completed a semester abroad in Cork as part of my Master’s in Molecular Microbiology. My main motivation for choosing Ireland was to improve my scientific English skills and to benefit from University College Cork’s broad range of microbiology modules.
Preparation
Applying through Erasmus+ was somewhat complex, but information on the LUH website and support from both universities made the process manageable. After securing my place at LUH, I applied to UCC and made my module choices with the help of online resources and weekly information sessions, which covered topics like module selection, accommodation, job opportunities, and daily life in Cork.
Course selection and life in Cork
Finding accommodation in Cork proved challenging and expensive. I was fortunate to get a spot in a student residence, though it was costly. Some students saved money by living in shared flats or private rooms, but it’s important to be cautious of scams. UCC addressed these topics in their info sessions, but these often took place quite late in the process. The first week was dedicated to orientation, including finalising modules, learning about university life, and exploring clubs and societies. I took four modules—three in microbiology and one in Advanced Academic English (C1 Level), which focused on academic writing and oral skills. I also joined the Mountaineering Club, which allowed me to explore Cork’s beautiful surroundings.
Cork has much to offer outside of university, with plenty of good restaurants, the English Market, vintage shops, and coffee houses. Affordable supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl are available. In my free time, I took pottery classes and enjoyed trips to nearby coastal towns, as well as the occasional weekend in Dublin.
Conclusion
Overall, spending a semester in Cork was an excellent decision. Ireland’s stunning nature and the different academic focus at UCC gave me new perspectives, both personally and academically. The biggest challenge was finding accommodation, but the opportunity to live and study abroad, as well as experiencing Irish culture, made it all worthwhile.
