Do you feel like you want to experience living abroad, but between your academic, social and personal life you don’t have the time? Let me show you all the wonderful and long lasting memories I’ve made in the thriving city of Cork in just 5 weeks!!
I’ll start by saying that if you don’t feel ready for a very time-consuming adventure outside of your country, but you still feel the need to get out of your comfort zone, an internship is the most ideal programme for you!
Many people would discourage you from leaving your country for only 5 weeks, saying what’s the point? But I can assure you that if you have the motivation and the right energy, you will have plenty of time to explore a city like Cork.
Why Cork, you ask. Well, I fell in love with Ireland last year, when I visited Dublin for the first time, so my choice was eased by that. When you feel drawn to a city or a country there’s nothing you can do to resist it, I immediately felt so welcome in Ireland.
And secondly, I wanted to strongly improve my English and therefore going to an English speaking city, and more specifically a university city made the most sense and Cork city fit the bill!
Cork is not as popular as Dublin but, believe me, The Rebel City is in no way inferior to The Capital. The beautiful city centre, the vibrant English Market, the ravishing River Lee, and myriad of other places to go and spend your free time, making Cork the perfect city for your internship.
I stayed with a lovely host family, specially selected for me, and I really enjoyed this kind of accommodation because it allows you to experience the lifestyle of the locals in a more authentic way while also not being too homesick. More importantly it allows you to have a lot of good conversations with them, making you feel a greater sense of family and cultural integration and also getting a handle on the Cork accent!
During your internship in a city like Cork, I would suggest really maximising your lunch breaks during the weekdays. It might not seem doable, but it is actually impressive the number of places and activities you can visit and do during just one-hour lunch break, all you need is the motivation and a quick pace.
If your workplace is in the city centre, I would highly recommend
Ringing the bells at St Anne's Church Shandon (even if you are alone, go and enjoy!)
Eat at the Lough Park (It’s really pretty and you can feed the ducks too!)
Try some tasty, locally-produced food at the English Market
Visit Saint Fin Barr's Cathedral (They do guided tours)
Take a stroll around University College Cork (touch the nose of George Boole!) and inside of the Gluckman Gallery
Have a coffee inside of the Cork Opera House
Enjoy a break near the River Lee, for example at Mayo Café is on the river
Wander around the city centre! You will discover amazing shops, libraries, where you will definitely find something unique for you or your beloved ones.
Don’t be intimidated by the weather. Yes, Ireland is not like Spain in terms of climate, but I can assure you that everything is doable despite the rainier weather. As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Just be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and an umbrella and you should be good to go! When the sun does decide to make an appearance, Cork is one of the best places to be.
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