Snapshot

Informações

• Why study in Cork

  Among the top picks for exchange students opting for Ireland, Cork often rivals Dublin, taking the second place. Over there you’ll risk running into Brazilians, but it’s less likely that you’ll hear people speaking Portuguese in the streets, a fact that can often happen in Dublin. Since the city is not the main focus of tourists and the countryside vibe prevails, it’s possible to have more contact with the Irish, which also helps to improve your language skills.

  At University College, you can choose from a variety of courses, including topics related to arts and design. But if what you’re into is technology, the Cork Institute of Technology is among the top study centers in Ireland. Not to mention the several options of private institutions for language improvement for all levels.

• 5 Reasons to study in Cork

  1. Cork was once considered the European capital of Culture
  2. Good cost-benefit for exchange students
  3. Brazilian students can work 20 hours a week. And 40 in June, July, August, and September, and from December 15th to January 15th
  4. Welcoming and polite people, receptive to foreigners
  5. Strategic point to go on day trips to other counties like Limerick, Galway and also to the capital Dublin.

• About Cork

  The charming Cork is a three-hour bus ride from Dublin, and is the second most chosen by exchange students, losing only to the capital. In fact, from there, you can go on several day trips to other counties as well, such as Galway and Limerick. A destination that is also very close to Cork is the tiny, beachy town of Cobh - Titanic's last port of call before the wreck.

  Known as the cultural center of Ireland and also of Europe, the title was granted not only due to it sights that exude the country's history, such as St. Anne Church, a 18th century church that, from the top of its 30 meters tall tower, offers the highest lookout in the city.

  Here culture is considered a highlight, because Cork's agenda is full of festivals with schedules that highlight not only music, art, but also gastronomy, with the Taste of West Cork, in which are represented the restaurants that make Cork famous for its great food. At this festival you can visit organic farms, taste various dishes and take cooking classes.

• Accommodation in Cork

  Accommodation costs vary according to the state, city and type chosen. But regardless of your destination, when it comes to researching a place to live, always keep in mind the distance from your school and accessibility by public transport. That being said, let's see each type:

  Short term

  Hostels Backpackers

  The hostels are good options for those who want to save money with accommodation. The rooms in general are shared, but there are also rooms for couples and private options. Preferred by young travelers, they have quite relaxed environments, with lots of socialization and therefore are very sought after during high seasons.

  Lodges

  They are kinda like hostels but offer private, couples and group rooms. The environment is less busy and more private than hostels, the prices are a bit more expensive, but still cheaper than hotels.

  Long term

  Homestay

  WEST 1 recommends that, at least for the first few weeks, students stay in a homestay, which are homes of Irish families or immigrants who have been in the country for many years. It’s there that the student begins to have contact with the Irish culture, put into practice what they learn at school, get to know the city and ask questions. To participate in this type of program, families are accredited by the Irish government, which guarantees total safety for the student.

  Shared accommodation

  After the homestay period, the student will already be more familiar with the school and the city. Feeling more independent, the next step is to share an apartment or a room with other students, many of them of different nationalities, which is a great experience and great for improving the language. The rent is usually paid weekly, furthermore it’s important to be aware of any additional fees.

• Work in Cork

  When it comes to the labor market, offers in Cork are similar to what you can find in Dublin. The exchange students have options in restaurants, cleaning companies, au-pairs or in pubs. Some companies are even looking for people who are fluent in Portuguese to work on multinationals based in Cork. Apple is an example.

• Attractions in Cork

  Cork is just three hours away from Dublin by bus. In fact, from there, you can go on several day trips to other counties as well, such as Galway and Limerick. Also very close to Cork is the tiny, beachy town of Cobh, Titanic's last port of call before the shipwreck. There you can see the Titanic Museum, not as big as the one in Belfast, but you can still make a day of it. Still in Cobh, following the path through the alleys and hills, you can see the famous colorful houses and the cathedral.
  The former prison, Cork City Gaol, closed in 1923 and reopened in 1927 as a radio station, is also worth visiting. With the support of the audio tour it’s possible to see the restored cells, which take you back to the environment in which the prisoners lived and give an idea of what the 19th century penal system was like.
  And in the heart of the city, The English Market is a food market that couldn’t be left out of the Irish history, as it officially opened in 1788.
  Today, The English Market is more than just an option for eating and shopping, but a trendy tourist spot that has been visited even by the Queen Elizabeth II!

Did you know?

• 'Is that him?'

  Jack Gleeson, the actor who played Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones, was born in Cork and is said to be easy to run into in town.

• 'Observatory'

  The city's main observatory is 30-meter-tall and sits atop a church tower, the St. Anne Church.

• 'The English Market'

  Even Queen Elizabeth II has visited The English Market, in 2011, one of Cork's top tourist spots.

• 'Butter Museum!'

  Located in the historic area of Cork, the Cork Butter Museum documents the role of the butter trade that’s is regarded as the great protagonist of Irish exports. They describe how artisanal manufacturing was done in the past and how it played a great role in the development of the country.

• 'Ride it!'

  The Cork Cycling Festival is organized by a group of volunteers to celebrate the culture of riding bikes in Cork. In 2019 the event celebrated 13 years.