1. A Girl’s Guide to Studying Abroad
Discover Ireland
Check out Cork’s top pubs.
Explore the Cliffs of Moher.
Dive into Dublin.
Ode to Ireland!
November 2015
This Month’s Issue: Cork, Ireland
10TipsToLose
Post-Abroad
Weight
2. Come Trot with Us!
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a place that only your dreams have taken you before.
Dip your toes in the clear blue waters of the Australian coast; breathe in the smell of that fresh
cup of Italian coffee from a quaint little café in Rome; dive off one of the tallest bungee jump
locations in New Zealand and don’t look back! Wherever your fluttering heart desires to go,
Globetrotter will take you there!
Welcome to our magazine: the first official study abroad guide for a wandering girl’s soul. Our
mission as a “girls only” publication is to offer the proper guidance to help you along your jour-
ney abroad. So, welcome to the Globetrotter family! We hope to provide you with a first look
into the most popular places to study abroad around the globe while offering helpful advice
within each issue for multiple destinations.
Here at Globetrotter, it is all about framing the experience for our readers. This will enable us
to not only show you what we experienced for ourselves while in different countries, but also to
properly illustrate the experience of others who have taken this leap of faith without a guide like
our publication helping them along the way. Our goal is to support our fabulous readers from
the early decision stages of going abroad (“jitters”), to the actual take off into another country
(“bon voyage”), until the final return back to your native land (“homeward bound”). We strive
to be the go-to travel magazine for adventurous students looking for an unforgettable experi-
ence.
Introducing our first issue: Cork, Ireland! For those of you looking to gain some additional
travel knowledge on the area, you’ve stumbled upon the right publication! Our very first issue
features actual adventures in Cork from our Globetrotter staff, real photos taken while abroad,
and stories that can either serve you as guides or informational tools to creating your own study
abroad to-do list!
So ladies, pack your bags, buckle up, enjoy the ride, and let Globetrotter guide you into the fu-
ture of study abroad!
Slainte!
~Teressa Capobianco
Letter from the Editor
2
3. Kelly Coleman, Multimedia Editor
Major:Public Relations & Journalism
Future Plans: To live in NYC with my French
Bulldog, George
Favorite Place: Paris
Spirit Animal: Marshall Eriksen, How I Met
Your Mother
Meet the Staff!
Katie Nolan, Multimedia Managing Editor
Major: Journalism & Public Relations
Future Plans: Hopefully I will be working for a
magazine after graduation
Favorite Place: Westerly, RI
Spirit Animal: It’s not an animal, but my
spirit flower is a daisy
Teressa Capobianco, Editor
Major: Communications
Future Plans: To become a writer
Favorite Place: The shores of Brigantine, New
Jersey
Spirit Animal: Baby Giraffe
Georgia Lundberg, Business/
Promotions Director
Major: Journalism & Advertising
Future Plans: I hope to eventually work for
a major magazine publication in New York
City
Favorite Place: The beaches of Positano,
Italy
Spirit Animal: Giraffe
Ashley Dellefave, Copy Editor
Major: Journalism
Future Plans: To pursue a Masters
degree in Cultural Studies in Leuven,
Belgium but above all else, to travel the
world
Favorite Place: Dublin, Ireland
Spirit Animal: Lorelai Gilmore
Victoria Sluko, Multimedia Graphics/
Photo Editor
Major: Journalism
Future Plans: I’d love to write for an outdoor
magazine, as an expeditionary journalist and
put my passion for the outdoors, writing, and
photo to good use.
Favorite Place: Iceland.
Spirit animal: Gazelle.
Barbara Onufrak, Multimedia Design
Editor
Major: Digital Media
Future Plans: Move to a big city and intern
at a Digital Media Marketing company and
work with computer software.
Favorite Place: California
Spirit Animal: Pelican
3
4. Table of Contents
I. Jitters
II. Bon Voyage
III. Homeward Bound
• Decisions, Decisions!
• Packing To Do List
• Top 5 Documents Needed
Before Studying Abroad
• Dress For Less Advice
From Our Globetrotters
• Ode to Ireland
• How to Stay Safe
While Abroad
• Arrive a Stranger,
Leave a Friend
• Hungry for More?
• Care for a Pint?
• No Longer Legal
• Adjustment to America
• Post-Abroad Depression
• How to Lose Weight After
Abroad
• Trotting to your Next
Destination
4
6. Decisions, Decisions!
By: Teressa Capobianco
Here it comes: that ache
in the pit of your stomach,
the rise of nerves swimming
throughout your body, and
the fear of the unknown
lingering around you. Study
abroad season has officially
arrived! As nerve-wracking
as the entire ordeal may be,
you should consider this
the most exciting time in
your life! Your school (and
hopefully your parents) is
offering you the opportunity
of a lifetime: to study abroad
in any country your fabulous
little heart desires! But there
is one issue…where do you
go?
Well my darling world-
travelers, this issue has
quite a simple fix! There are
several important questions
to ask yourselves when
making the study abroad
decision:
• What country do you
truly want to reside in?
• What language are you
most comfortable with?
• Are you planning on
looking at a program
with friends or are you
venturing alone?
• What is your preferred
climate?
• Will you like the food?
• How far away is it from
your actual home?
• And the big one: can you
afford it?
If you feel that slight rise of
panic surging through your
body already then PAUSE!
Force it down and hear me
out! Yes, choosing the right
programforyouwillbetough,
but do not fret; there is a way
to make this process less of
an overwhelming experience.
So, let’s start with the basics!
The Program
First thing to check off
your list are the programs
that your select college
or university provides as
options for students. Many
schools throughout the
United States offer a variety
of study abroad programs in
all areas of the world. So how
about we do some research?
This is where Google
becomes your best friend,
ladies. College and university
site reviewers name the top
colleges with the best study
abroad programs in the nation.
The U.S. News College Review
site names Boston University,
Duke University, Dartmouth
College, Elon University, New
York University, and many
more on the list of schools
with the best abroad programs
out there. If you are already a
student of one of these colleges,
then you are in luck! If you are
not, then the best thing to do is
get some more insight through
on-campus meetings about
various abroad programs that
are offered. Be proactive and go
to the meeting for the Thailand
program being offered (even
though your mom already said
that’s too far), visit the on-
campus study abroad office
to find out more about when
sessions are offered and how
you can get more information
on specific programs. After that,
the next step is to decide where
to go!
The Country
Imagine yourself on the Cliffs
of Moher in Ireland, standing
near the cool, breezy edge with
6
7. the crisp air running through
your hair. Imagine yourself
gazing at the orange sunset
over the hills of China while
standing on the Great Wall.
Imagine the sweet taste of
that authentic gelato you are
slowly savoring from outside
the factory in Rome, Italy.
There are hundreds of places
in each country that you
could visit, but deciding on
which country to reside in is
a big decision. Information
sessions offered by your
college or university will
be the most helpful in this
case. There, you can find out
what university you would
be studying at depending on
your desired country. You
can also look online at the
most popular schools abroad
that have programs that
work with colleges in the U.S.
Bestcollegereviews.org is an
essential starting point for
finding out more about the
top places to study overseas.
Researching information on
the potential university you
may attend is the best way to
settlethosenervousjittersand
could actually help you decide
overall where you would like to
go! However, the best way to
learn about a specific country
you are interested in going to is
to talk to your peers who have
already had the experience.
Study abroad ambassadors are
the best source of knowledge
you can find firsthand! These
people are your gateway to the
truths behind the experience,
and those juicy details are the
things you want to find out!
So be brave, ask around, and
experience, so that one day
you can tell the story of your
own travels to those in your
position.
The Cost
“So, how much will it cost
me?” You’ve heard this one
before right? Well if you have
not yet experienced it, ladies,
it is bound to happen. When
heading home for Christmas
break baring all of the
pamphlets and guides that you
could scrounge up in order to
convince mom and dad to let
you go, this will most likely be
the first question they spit out.
The price tag for an abroad trip
is very large, but the outcome is
an experience that you will share
with your friends and family for
the rest of your life. Although
that statement alone may not do
much to convince them, it’s the
truth. However, one important
factor to highlight, bold, and star
in your Lilly Pulitzer planner is
exchange rate. Countries like
Australia and New Zealand
tend to be more expensive than
countries like China or Thailand
due to the exchange rate. Making
sure you are aware of the cost of
tuition and the cost of living is
essential. So, don’t let dad faint
at the sight of the dollar sign. Do
your research, get all of the facts,
and establish how this trip is fit
for you.
Life is short, work is hard, and
being a kid doesn’t last forever;
so run with this opportunity.
Go forth and gallivant through
the streets of Barcelona while
singing, “Strut like You Mean it”
by the Cheetah Girls; paraglide
over the Swiss Alps; take a selfie
while riding an elephant in
Thailand. Kick those nerves to
the curb and have an experience
of a lifetime!
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8. Packing To Do List!
European converters/adapters
Because the European outlets are different from
the ones we’re used to in America, it is a MUST to
bring converters for your electronic needs. Buy 3
or 4 converters, just to be safe!
And remember to check in advance what kind of
converter is used in the country you’ll be studying
in, as they differ from place to place.
Prescriptions
If you are on daily prescription medicine, it
is important to get enough to last you for the
entire semester abroad. In order to do this, your
pharmacy needs to contact your doctor, and
request enough medicine in bulk. This should be
done at least two weeks before leaving the country.
Standard Medicine
It is not a bad idea to pack some over the counter
medicine, in case you get sick abroad. European
medicine is very different, and it’s better to stick
with what you know, and feel comfortable. Some
examples of what to bring are: Advil, Motrin,
Dayquil, Benedryl, and Pepto-Bismol.
Vitamins
The same goes for vitamins as it does with
medicine! Vitamins in Europe are different from
the ones you may be used to; therefore, your best
bet is to bring a bottle or two of your everyday
vitamin in your suitcase, to avoid searching in
European pharmacies and reading non-English
labels.
Euros
A lot of airports and exchange offices in Europe
over-charge to convert your American money
into Euros, or whatever the currency is that
you’re using. Therefore, it’s beneficial to go to
your bank before leaving, to request a couple
hundred Euros.
Although you can use your credit card, there are
transaction and international fees, therefore the
more cash you have beforehand, the better.
It is also important to keep track of the Euro
rate, and request Euros when the Euro rate is at
its cheapest.
Carry-On Luggage
This is definitely a MUST. A lot of times, people
bring duffel bags as a carry on, but while
traveling around Europe, the weight of carry
By: Kelly Coleman
8
9. on bags change. Therefore, it is important to
get a standard carry on bag with wheels, and
make sure the measurements are correct. This
also relieves the pain of carrying a heavy bag
around a new city!
Student ID
If you don’t have your student visa with you
when traveling (although you should always
have it on your person), your student ID will get
you discounts in a ton of museums or tourist
attraction sites!
A cross-shoulder bag
While exploring during the day or at night, a
cross-body bag is a great essential, because you
always know where it is, and can keep it in front
of you to ensure nothing get’s stolen. Also, the
more zippers, the better! It’s better to stagger
your important items in different pockets, to
ensure that even if one thing gets stolen, the
other essentials will be in your bag. Hopefully
this never happens, though!
Notify Bank
This is a must! Before leaving for abroad, it is
crucial to call your bank to tell them you will be
leaving the country, so they don’t block your card
when they see it being used in another country.
You also need to tell them all of the countries you
are planning on traveling to, so they can make sure
your card doesn’t freeze or get blocked.
Hand sanitizer
While going from airport to bus to hotel to metro,
you don’t even want to know how many germs
you’re touching. Always keep a mini hand sanitizer
in your bag, to avoid sickness and to stay clean!
Headphones
Although this may seem obvious, there is so much
that goes into packing that it’s easy to forget
something so simple. Whether you’re on a long
plane ride or alone in a café, headphones are an
easy travel accessory to keep with you at all times.
Laundry bag
While abroad, you have to do laundry too! It’s better
to bring a small, foldable laundry bag from home,
so you don’t have to search for one while there. If
you’re staying in an apartment with a washer and
dryer in your room, then of course you won’t need
this!
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11. Top 5 Documents Needed
Before Studying Abroad
Passport
Make sure your passport is not expired, and if it is, re-new it and allow a few weeks for it to be
updated.
Health coverage proof
For most universities abroad, you will be required to reach out to your health insurance company
and request a form that states you are covered by your health provider for the semester you will be
abroad. Sometimes, the letters have to be very specific, so make sure you do this ahead of time!
Immunization and Vaccination Records
Some universities and countries require your vaccination records, to make sure you are up to date
with shots that may be necessary before entering a new country.
Driver’s License
Instead of bringing your passport to a bar or club, bring your driver’s license to verify your age.
This can also be used to conduct transactions requiring two forms of ID, and to drive in your host
country.
Student Visa
This is the most complex and difficult part of the pre-abroad process. However, once this is done,
you’re officially ready to go! There is not a set process, but here is the standard process of the
By: Kelly Coleman
11
12. materials necessary to obtain your student VISA. In order to complete the process, you have to go to a
nearby U.S. Embassy.
• A letter from your abroad institution, showing your admission to the university
• Written proof that your parents have money in their bank account to support you
• Passport
• Passport photos
• Application fee payment receipt
• A Visa interview that may require fingerprint scanning
• Additional information that may be required: transcript, your intent to depart the U.S.
• Forms that will be given to you through the embassy
12
13. When packing for abroad, you
have to understand that you are
going to be taking tours, walking
for hours, and photographing
everythinginsight.Themajority
of your memories come from
sights you see and the photos
you take. Most people want to
look their best when capturing
the moment. When it comes
to shopping for
clothes, items can
end up being pretty
pricey, and the last
thing you want to
do is spend all of
your money. Going
abroad already
costs a fortune, so
the first fashion tip
you should keep in
mindisthatEurope
is expensive. As
tempting as it is,
you have to learn
to restrain yourself
from buying more
clothes than you
need.
This month’s issue
is focused on Cork,
Ireland. The clothes there are
not that expensive compared
to other places abroad, but
this doesn’t mean you should
go wild. Pace yourself and only
purchaseclothingitemsthatyou
know you’ll love and wear for a
long time. Go into stores that
you have never been in before,
places that are completely
different from those at home.
A lot of places abroad have the
same stores we do in the U.S.;
you may see an H&M or Tj Maxx,
but try not to spend your money
in these stores. Another tip to help
you reserve money is to remember
that you can mix and match
your clothes. For example, when
packing, bring a jean jacket that
can go easily with multiple outfits
or repeat outfits, but use different
accessories. If you re-wear the
outfit, add different bracelets or a
scarf to make it appear like a whole
new outfit. You can also bring big,
long sweaters because this type of
clothing goes with everything.
Always make sure to keep up
with weather wherever you are
traveling to. You don’t want to
pack sweaters and jeans when it’s
going to be in the 80s! In Cork,
the weather is normally in the low
50s. This may be chilly for some,
so you will want to pack long pants
and light coats, which means
your suitcase may be tough to
pack with all the thick clothing,
so be sure to repeat outfits!
A final thing to remember is to
bring along comfortable shoes.
Pack a pair of shoes that you can
do the most walking in; you will
constantly be on the move when
abroad, and all that activity will
take a toll on your
feet. It may not
seem this way, but
you don’t need to
bring every pair
of shoes you own.
Be sure to bring
at least one pair
that you know you
will constantly
be walking in.
These will quickly
become your ride
or die shoes and
you will get the
most use out of
them. You also
want to make sure
you bring items
that are going to
last. Don't bring
a skimpy, light
sweater that is going to rip easily.
The material of your clothing
should be durable so that way
when you’re out walking around
it lessens the chance of rips or
tears. Make sure whatever you
bring to wear is very comfortable,
as it will save you a lot of trouble
in the long run. Bringing those
super tight jeans to walk around
in could get annoying!
Dress For Less
By: Barbara Onufrak
13
14. Advice from Our Globetrotters
Is worry beginning to creep up on you? Are you still struggling with the idea of even traveling at all?
Have no fear, your personal study abroad advisors are here! Hot off the press! Here’s the 411. Remember:
you’ve got to start somewhere! What better way to learn than through those who’ve already made the
journey?
Interview with Loyola University Maryland Study Abroad Ambassador: Kasey C.
Studied Abroad in Cork, Ireland: University College Cork
T: What was the hardest part of adapting to a different culture?
K: The brogue was really overwhelming at first and their sayings were very different. Smaller portions in
grocery stores and the difference in the food was definitely something to get used to also. Irish plumbing
is pretty bad too, so you had to plan accordingly when to shower and how to budget time for it between
yourself and your roommates.
T: Were your parents concerned about the cost of sending you to Cork, Ireland?
K: Not really because I worked a lot for myself. So a majority of it was mine, but they did help me out a
bit. I was smart about how I spent it. My roommate and I cooked often for dinner and would split the
food, which was a lot cheaper and easier to have meals leftover. We booked trips early, which was great.
By making groups of 4 to 6 we began booking trips within the first month abroad in order to pay for
cheaper flights and being on top of everything was definitely a huge advantage.
T: What advice do you have for students looking to go to Cork?
K: Travel all around Ireland rather than just all of Europe. That was my favorite part so I recommend
doing that. Be smart about spending your money. Don’t say no to anything unless it’s dangerous. Get to
know everyone in your group; I can honestly say that I was able to have a conversation with everyone in
my group because of that so be open to meeting new people.
By: Teressa Capobianco
14
19. I can still remember the
moment I peeked out the tiny
airplane window getting my
first glimpse of where I would
be living for the next four and
half months — the Emerald
Isle. It was everything I had
imagined it would look like:
a patchwork of green fields
with puffy clouds hanging
low in the sky. I soon learned
that the Irish want outsiders
to realize that they
live in the 21st
century too, there
are highways
and iPads and
skyscrapers and
so on. But the
elements that
make this country
a gem begin with
what your eyes
first see — the
shades of green,
the mist in the
air, and the sun creeping out
from the clouds — and then
what you discover beyond.
Prior to college, when I
imagined myself studying
abroad, I did not picture
myself in Cork, Ireland. I
assumed I would be in a
big city like London, but
that wasn’t an option at my
university. After attending
various info sessions for all
my school’s choices around
the world, I realized I liked
the one in Cork best. Plus,
I had always wanted to see
where my ancestors were
from and now I had the
chance to live there.
I got a lot of questions and
funny looks when I told people
where I would be spending
my semester abroad, “Cork?
Where is that?” or “Why don’t
you just go to Dublin?” The
city of Cork is in the South-
West region of Ireland, and it
is the second biggest city of the
country. Its citizens strongly
believe it deserved to be the
capital of Ireland after winning
an important battle during the
Irish Civil War,
and have earned
themselves the
nickname “rebels”
for their fierce
desire to standout
from Dublin (just
one example is
everyone drinks
the dark beer
Murphy’s that is
brewed in Cork,
rather than the
famous Guiness,
which is brewed in Dublin).
And while these might just
seem like facts listed about
the city, these all influence the
personality of Cork and why it
Ode to IrelandBy: Katie Nolan
19
20. is so dear in my heart.
My first impression of
Cork was disbelief that
it’s the second largest city
in Ireland. There aren’t
a lot of tall, looming
buildings, extremely busy
intersections, or the need to
take public transportation
or cabs to get around. There
are some streets where you
can literally walk in the
middle of the road and not
have to worry about getting
run over. Then there are the
quaint side alleys, which cars
can’t drive through, where a
lot of my favorite cafés and
restaurants are scattered in
hues as bright as Ireland’s
landscape. Often when
I walked around the city
center I felt like I was in the
middle of a movie set because
everything was picturesque:
clean sidewalks, street
performers on the corners,
sweet shops and bookstores,
the list goes on.
The city is largely influenced
by University College Cork,
the school I attended while
abroad. Cork feeds off of the
energy of the young students
and their upbeat outlooks
reverberate throughout the
city. This goes for most of
the Irish I met throughout
the country. I had the
opportunity to learn all
about Ireland’s deep and
sad history, and it is quite
amazing how resilient and
upbeat its citizens are. They
are some of the friendliest and
kindest people I’ve met and
encountered. People smile at
you on the streets, in stores they
ask how you are, where you’re
from, and how you’re getting
along. When I remember the
beauty of Ireland, it’s not just
the aesthesis, but also the
people.
I was able to explore every nook
and every cranny of Cork and
call the city my home. When my
four and half months ended, I
knew I had lived in Ireland, not
just visited it.
20
21. How To Stay Safe While Abroad
Studying abroad is supposed to be one
of the best semesters during your time in
college. But, to ensure that you have fun, it’s
important to remember how to stay safe in
the city you are living in and while traveling
to other destinations. Globetrotter asked our
Campus Ambassadors to share some of their
do’s and don’ts of staying safe while abroad!
Do: Know the route
“Always know the public transportation
routes and times prior to going out. You don’t
want to be stuck in a sketchy part of town
late at night and not know how to get home,
especially if you have been drinking.”
Whitney Muscat
Melbourne, Australia
Don’t: Panic, even if things seem bleak
“I was leaving Paris with friends and we
were supposed to take a bus to Madrid, but
we missed it. We could have easily panicked
being stuck in a foreign city with little money
and nowhere to stay, but I remained calm.
Luckily, I was able to get in touch with a
friend’s mom who was in Paris as well, and
she let us stay at her Airbnb until we could get
on the bus the next day. Had I freaked out, I
don’t know if I would have remembered that I
knew someone else in Paris at the time.”
Meg Brady
Copenhagen, Denmark
Do: Wear Sensible Shoes
“This might sound silly, but it’s important to
wear good shoes whether you’re just walking
around the city or navigating the cobblestone
streets at night. To get to class we had to
walk through the Old Market Square where
there were often broken glass bottles from the
night before. A girl I knew stepped on glass
and sliced her foot open, and she had to get
stitches in the bottom of her foot. Getting
around the rest of the semester was extremely
difficult for her and made sightseeing and
exploring more of a challenge.”
Caroline Fitchett
Leaven, Belgium
Don’t: Wander away from your friends
“It’s best to stick with your friends when you
go out or are traveling in cities you do not
know. Wi-Fi isn’t always easy to come by, and
you don’t want to end up alone at night or by
yourself in a foreign city unsure of where to
go. Nothing ruins a fun night out or weekend
trip more than spending most of your time
finding your group.”
Annie Eno
Glasgow, Scotland
By: Katie Nolan
21
22. “Arrive a Stranger, Leave a Friend”
Ireland is a country rich in
culture and charming simplicity.
It provides people with a range of
interests and the opportunity to
indulge in their traveling desires.
Every kilometer of the country
begs to be explored, whether in
the vibrant city of Dublin or the
peaceful landscapes of Wicklow
County. These locations only
represent a small portion of
Ireland, not even taking into
consideration the western coast
and its naturally beautiful cliffs.
Whether adventure, shopping, or a
pint of Guinness is what you seek,
you’re sure to find it in Ireland.
Dublin: a city big enough to spend
a week in, but small enough to
use as a quick two-day blitz trip.
Highlights of the city include St.
Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness
and Jameson factories, Grafton
Street, Trinity College, and
even the River Liffey, sprinkled
with unique bridges and
lined with dozens of pubs and
shops. Once you’ve looked at a
map and gotten a feel for the
layout of Dublin, it really isn’t
difficult to navigate through
and is easily walkable. This
being said, if you’re ever lost,
ask one of the locals for help
because they’re some of the
friendliest people around (and
have fantastic accents). If you
happen to be in Dublin on one
of its many rainy days, a visit
to the Guinness or Jameson
factories is a great way to stay
dry and taste some of Ireland’s
infamous brews. On a nicer
day, take a walk through Trinity
College’s gorgeous campus and
admire its architecture, some
of which is close to 300 years
old. If you’re longing to give in
to your shopaholic tendencies,
walk over to Grafton Street
and check out its many stores,
some of which are only found
in Europe. Another plus to
Grafton Street is the constant
entertainment provided:
talented street musicians,
magicians, and some very
interesting living statues keep
the street alive.
If you haven’t already fallen in
love with Dublin by the evening,
its nightlife may change your
mind. Dublin is well known for
its multitude of bars and pubs,
Temple Bar being the most
famous. If you step inside one
of these establishments at any
given time, you’re bound to
hear sounds of joyful, drunken
Dubliners and genuine Irish
music, and, if you’re lucky,
By: Ashley Dellefave
22
23. you may even see some Irish step-
dancing. Pubs are also a great
place to go if you’re into sports like
rugby and soccer, as there always
appears to be a match displayed
on TV screens. No matter what it
is that you decide to do while in
Dublin, the most important thing
to remember is to take it all in
and enjoy yourself. The people of
Dublin just want to eat and drink
and have a good time, and can you
really blame them?
While Dublin provides visitors
with a chance to encounter
Ireland’s rich culture, places like
Wicklow County are proof that
Ireland’s namesake of the Emerald
Isle is well deserved. Take a scenic
drive through the county and you
will see what true nature really is.
If you’ve chosen to stay in Dublin,
but have some free days to spare,
consider signing up for a bus tour.
Gray Line Tours, a company that
provides exciting trips through
countries around the world, offers
a special ride through much of
Wicklow and the surrounding
towns. Hop on a bus with a
group of strangers and an
Irishman who knows how to
simultaneously crack jokes and
drive a 6-wheeled monstrosity,
and make sure that camera is
ready at all times.
GrayLine’sWicklowtour,similar
to those of other companies,
takes visitors through scenic
Glencree Valley and the Sally
gap, where the only things seen
for miles are lush, green grasses
and fauna-covered mountains.
Stops are made at Lough Tay, or
Guinness Lake, so named for its
deep color resembling a pint of
Guinness, and the very bridge
where Gerard Butler shares his
first kiss with Hilary Swank in
P.S I Love You. After driving
along narrow, winding roads,
pausing possibly for a group
of sheep to cross the street,
the crown jewel of the tour is
reached: Glendalough, or the
Valley of the Two Lakes. After
strolling through remains of a
monastic settlement founded in
the 6th century, take a leisurely
walk through the woods before
reaching the main attraction.
Glendalough is known for its
Upper and Lower Lakes, more
breathtaking than anything
you could see in a National
Geographic magazine, for
there’s no better way to view
the beauty of nature than up
close and personal.
Glendalough, along with
many other natural wonders
throughout Ireland, provides
visitors with an opportunity to
immerse themselves in their
environment. A temptation
while abroad is to capture every
single experience in photos, but
sometimes it is nice to remove
ourselves from this obsession
with technology and learn to
truly experience.
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24. Hungry For More?
The Irish country doesn’t just offer potatoes,
beer, and beef, but many other types of cuisine
as well. It may come as a surprise to many that
Ireland’s menu is very diverse. While there
are enough mashed potatoes, Guinness, and
burgers to go around, there’s also seafood,
fresh produce, and pasta. While in Cork,
Ireland, you’ll find eclectic and delicious
cuisine, and the eateries within the city reflect
this perfectly. See for yourself…
The Woodford:
This is a perfect example of what most
restaurants are like in Cork. As you walk into
this pub, dim lighting engulfs you and wooden
tables paired with cushioned benches meet
your gaze. Empty Jameson bottles act as
candlestick holders, while an immense beer
tap accessorizes the bar. The Woodford’s menu
is vast, although several items certainly stand
out. For example, the chicken pot pie. This
isn’t traditional chicken pot pie – Woodford’s
dish features hearty chunks of chicken,
mushrooms, and thyme, all in a thick, creamy
sauce and topped with mashed potatoes. The
pub is also known for its burgers – cooked well
done (and still packed with flavor, surprisingly
enough) and topped with mixed greens and
spicy ketchup. If you’re looking for a classic
Irish restaurant, Woodford’s is the place to go.
Liberty Grill:
While in Cork, you may stumble across a
restaurantcalledLibertyGrill,whosebreakfast
menu is especially to die for. This restaurant
charmingly features shiny metal chairs, fresh
flowers on each table and a white brick wall
with a funky Liberty Grill sign. There are
platters of scones and jelly stacked high on a
table in the middle of the room, and a bustling
bar and kitchen that barely squeezes inside
this tiny restaurant. What to order here? For
starters, I’d recommend the Greek yogurt.
Here, this sweet treat could be easily mistaken
for an ice cream sundae. Served in a tall glass
dish, this delicious yogurt sits on a bed of
berries and is topped with crunchy granola.
While this could serve as a main dish, why stop
here? Liberty Grill’s eggs benedict is absolutely
amazing. Poached eggs rest on thick slices
of ham and crispy sourdough bread, and are
topped with hollandaise sauce and scallions.
Serendipity Café:
Since we’re on the topic of delicious brunches,
let’s explore Serendipity Café. This hole-in-the
wall restaurant goes almost unnoticed, hiding
in the shadow of the River Lee Hotel. Its food,
however, radiates for miles. For example, its
quiche is outstanding. Upon ordering this,
you’ll receive a large piece of sizzling, cheesy
baked egg, cooked with ham, spinach, peas
and a buttery, flaky crust. The quiche served
at Serendipity never disappoints, and neither
do the sandwiches. I suggest choosing the ham
and cheese melt, consisting of slices of salty
ham, gooey cheese and mayonnaise on toasted
sourdough. Jumping from savory to sweet:
Serendipity’s French toast is exquisite, and
slightly different from that which you might
order in the U.S. You can top these slices of
toast with berry compote, honey, or syrup. If
you find yourself thirsty during your meal, I’d
order a glass of homemade lemonade or a pot
of tea.
Franciscan Well:
Surprisingly enough, the pizza in Cork exceeds
all expectations. The Franciscan Well is dark
yet lively – the inside of this restaurant is small,
but the outside is spacious and welcoming.
Long wooden tables and benches line the patio,
with plants and twinkling lights acting as a
ceiling, while a team of expert pizza-makers
work to roll dough and prepare toppings.
Customers are able to choose toppings for
By: Georgia Lundberg
24
25. themselves, and can pick from spicy chorizo,
pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, and much
more. Oftentimes, Franciscan Well will feature
a “pizza of the week.” One such pizza is called
the Bianco and consists of mozzarella cheese
and thinly sliced, crispy potatoes. In terms of
drinks, the microbrewery’s beers are as follows:
Friar Weisse Wheat Beer, Blarney Blonde,
Rebel Red, and Shandon Stout. I’m partial to
the Rebel Red, which is darker than pale ale
and bitter in taste. Pizza and beer…what’s not
to love?
SoHo:
This isn’t a traditional Irish restaurant, but it’s
phenomenal nonetheless. As you walk down
Cork’s busiest strip, you won’t miss this eatery
– it’s three stories high and a neon-red “SoHo”
sign lights up the restaurant’s front. Each floor
is adorned in red booths circled around large
tables, offering modern, Manhattan-style
vibes. For dinner, SoHo’s specialty is serving
hot rocks with a choice of seafood or steak
on top. This way, customers are in charge
of cooking meat to their liking. If you’re
interested in working for your dinner, then
this is quite the concept. Dessert comes
next. The restaurant offers a chocolate
sponge cake, drizzled in caramel sauce with
a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. But
there’s more – this contemporary restaurant
serves unique beverages. SoHo offers “mini
buckets,” which are individual drinks served
in funky buckets. Why drink from a glass
when you can sip from a bucket?
Many people don’t imagine Ireland to be
overflowing with interesting cuisine, but
believe it or not, it is. Cork is especially
packed to the brim with various eateries,
ones that are worth drooling over. Indulge
all you want while in this city because who
knows when you’ll find a meal as good as
one in Cork.
25
27. By: Georgia Lundberg
The Irish are incredibly thick-skinned, and I mean this in the best possible way. They endure freezing
cold showers, sideways rain, and they also drink beer – a lot of beer. This being said, nightlife is an
important part of the Irish culture. Cork is just like any other Irish city in the sense that it’s crawling with
pubs, and the hot spots found here are definitely worth discussing.
Rearden’s:
Rearden’s is a pub in which you’re guaranteed to have a good time. On any given night, this bar is swarming
with the most eccentric customers – from college students to 50-year-old men. The dance floor becomes
packed and every once in awhile, someone will walk up to the DJ booth and request a song from the
early 2000s. A long bar twists around one side of the pub, and bartenders clad in matching black t-shirt’s
busily tend to their patrons. Here, cocktails are regularly served in long, thin, clear glasses – even the
shots are served in this same fashion and only fill up about a quarter of the glass, a style quite different
from the shots that you might order in the U.S.
On a busy night, you’ll find yourself weaving
in between a tightly packed room in order to
reach the dance floor.
Voodoo Room:
Upon entering Voodoo, you’ll climb a narrow,
dimly lit staircase, which leads to the bar’s
central area. Each customer must pay a 10-
euro cover fee (5 euro if you present a student
ID). And yet, this bar is extremely fun. A dance
floor sits a level below the bar area, and plasma
TV screens are planted on the walls enclosing
Voodoo. Tuesday nights are dubbed “Wall Street”
nights and this is when these TVs are put to good
use. The prices of drinks are posted on the screens,
and every five minutes or so, the fees change. At
one point in the night, you can buy a cocktail for
8 euro, while at another time, you can snag a drink for the price of 2 euro. Just like the stock exchange on
Wall Street, you never know exactly what you’re going to get. Voodoo offers a surprising twist, in which
bar goers are constantly kept on their feet.
Holy Cow:
The Holy Cow isn’t your traditional Irish pub. Vibrant lights in purple hues illuminate this small bar, and
with loudly thumping house music, you might at first feel like you’re at a rave. Puffs of cigarette smoke
billow inside each time the door opens, and a long line of people crowd the bar. Although it’s expensive,
ordering a Jameson and ginger cocktail (Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale) is the best move to make
at the Holy Cow – this delicious, refreshing drink comes in a large cup, so you won’t have to worry about
going up to the bar frequently throughout the night. As time progresses and the line of bar goers waiting
outside ceases, the inside doors connecting Holy Cow to its neighboring bar are opened, creating an
enormous space that people can move freely throughout. When the bar expands, you’ll have an even
better chance of meeting new people.
Care For A Pint?
27
28. Oliver Plunkett:
Let’s return to our Irish roots and talk about Oliver Plunkett, which offers a relaxed night out. Oak
tables and benches line the sides of this pub, while the middle of the room is simply open space, acting
as a dance floor. There’s a small stage featuring several stools illuminated by bright lights, where live
music occurs 7 nights a week. These musicians range from all-girl groups who sing while playing the
acoustic guitar, to traditional Irish musicians clad with bagpipes and native songs, and this music is
even more pleasant with a pint in hand. You’ll soon notice that few people indulge in cocktails, opting
for beer instead. Guinness is always a great choice (the Guinness served in Ireland is different from
that served in the states – it’s smooth and not nearly as bitter). I’d recommend visiting Oliver Plunkett
during one of your first nights in Cork.
The Woolshed:
If you’re looking for an animated sports bar where you can buy pitchers of beer while watching a game,
then The Woolshed is the place to go. When visiting this barduring last year’s Super Bowl, I was surprised
that the Irish even tuned into an American football game. I approached a young man and asked, “Why
are you guys watching the Super Bowl?” He responded in a thick Irish slur, saying, “Well it’s an excuse
to drink, isn’t it?” For this night, silver bleachers were set up along one side of the pub, while the game
was projected on a blank wall opposite these benches. Waitresses in referee outfits scurried around the
bar taking orders, returning with trays stacked high with plates of nachos and overflowing pints. The
Woolshed is oftentimes so crowded that you have to sit on the floor, but this is a small inconvenience
when it comes to the fun that this bar proves to be on game nights.
It might not come as a shock to you that the city of Cork is packed with entertaining bars and other hot
nightspots, since pubs are an important part of the Irish culture. While studying abroad in this quaint
city, you’ll never be bored. Cork is certainly quiet and comfortable, but this doesn’t affect its nightlife in
the slightest. Enjoy!
1. UCC
2. Serendipity Cafe
3. Franciscan Well
4. The Woolshed
5. Holy Cow
6. SoHo
7. Liberty Grill
8. Reardens
9. The Woodford
10. Voodoo Room
11. Oliver Plunkett
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33. No Longer Legal :(
So you went abroad, and you lived the life of a fully legal adult. Alcohol was a normal consumption,
whether it was wine at lunch or a quick stop at the bar in between classes.
Around the world, 162 countries have a legal drinking age below 21, and many European countries lie
in the 16-18 range of legality. Chances are, you’ve had a few legal drinks on your travels.
Now that you returned home to the U.S., there’s a certain unreasonable feeling when you consider
the age limit. When abroad, drinking wasn’t always excessive, although it had the potential to be.
Personally, I’ve met peers in Europe who have been drinking legally for years and the idea of alcohol for
them has lost its mystical pull that it has over many U.S. students daily. Sitting at dinner, after months
of living abroad, I was frustrated when I saw a familiar wine and remembered that I still had 2 more
years before I could drink it.
To combat these frustrations, I’ve complied a list of 6 things to do that are so fun, alcohol won’t even
cross your mind. However, as you patiently wait the magical birthday to come around, it really doesn’t
matter what you do. The common thing that makes all these ideas worthwhile is the people that are
doing them.
Spa Day: Consider all of the self-pampering you can treat yourself to: nails, hair, massages, and facials.
I feel rejuvenated just thinking about it!
Zoo or Aquarium: A beautiful day of walking around and appreciating all of the wonderful species of
life. Extra points if you can pet the penguins!
See a Show: Get dressed up, grab tickets to a local venue, laugh and take plenty of pictures!
Root for the Home Team: Get the gang together and check out a local sports game. Even if you aren’t
that into sports, who says no to hot dogs and funnel cakes?
Explore Your City: Check out the local farmers market, eat somewhere you’ve never been, or just take
a walk around a different neighborhood.
Road Trip: Grab your favorite girlfriends and hit the road, maybe to a nearby state school or even a
great concert.
By: Victoria Sluko
33
34. The security agent in the
terminal glanced at me, my
passport, and back at me.
“Welcome home,” he said.
“Gracias,” I responded. I’m
positive I accidentally spoke
Spanglish for a week after my
return home from my time
abroad in Spain. I expected
the culture shock when I
arrived in a different country,
but was surprised that I had
such a large adjustment upon
returning. Coming home
after being abroad is filled
with a mixture of feelings
that range from excitement
and anticipation to sorrow
and heartache.
In some ways, it’s exciting
to come home. I remember
being excited about seeing
my family and friends from
home again or eating my
favorite foods at my favorite
restaurants. But it can also
be disappointing when life
abroad is over, because let’s face
it, life abroad is awesome. There
are no more splendid weekend
trips to ancient cities or tropical
beaches. Whether you study in
a European town or a village
in South America, you become
adjusted to living a certain way.
The hardest thing about coming
home for me was missing my
friends that I lived abroad with.
After months of living together
with friends that I traveled
with, ate with, partied with, and
studied with, it was difficult that
they were spread out across the
world. Of course, seeing friends
I hadn’t seen in a while was nice,
but I shared something special
with the people abroad that no
one else understood. Together,
we have inside jokes, hilarious
stories, and unforgettable
memories. To everyone else
listening to these recollections,
they just seems like nonsense,
but to us, it is much more
meaningful.
I found that it was easiest for
me to come home when I had
things to look forward to.
When I arrived back in the
country, I immediately packed
my bags for a family vacation.
Afterwards, I spent some
weekends visiting old friends.
This being said, sometimes
it’s nice to just sit back and
relax from the busy traveling
lifestyle, lay out by a lake or
beach and catch up on some
good books.
It may take a few days or
sometimes weeks to adjust
back to life before abroad. But,
when I think about it I’ll really
never be the same as I was
before, because then I hadn’t
yet experienced all the things
that I have now. After time,
normalcy begins to sink in, but
once in a while I’ll still think
back on my time abroad and
miss it deeply.
Adjustment to America
By: Victoria Sluko
34
35. Post-Abroad Depression
Everyone talks about reverse culture shock and the process of readjusting to life in the states post
abroad, but rarely do they approach the topic of post-abroad depression. Anyone who loved their
studies abroad can attest for the pain and longing that crept up on them shortly after arriving home.
Though studying abroad isn’t always fun and games, it often includes the most crazy experiences and
unusual foreign customs that you find yourself missing most once you return home. How is it possible
to focus on applying for internships or studying for midterms when at the same time a year ago, you
were hopping on a plane to Ireland, or Spain, or Bali? Below is a list of some of the ways to beat your
post-abroad depression, and things you should definitely avoid.
DO stay close to the people you studied abroad with, as they are the closest connection to your time
abroad. Whether it’s one person or an entire group, be sure to maintain contact with them; get lunch
once a week or meet up occasionally for a fun night out. With everyone having busy schedules, it may be
a difficult feat, but finding a time to have a reunion is also a valuable opportunity. There, you have the
freedom to reminisce about your time abroad without feeling like you’re boring anyone or redundantly
boasting about how fantastic being abroad was and how much better the food/wine/scenery/people/
etc. were. Remember: misery loves company.
DON’T look through the photos and videos you took while abroad on a daily basis. I know you want to
remember every detail of the places you visited and relive your experiences through the visual memories,
but browsing through either your own or your friends’ Facebook albums isn’t going do anything but
make you wish you were there. This goes for friends or peers you may know who are currently studying
in the same country that you were; nothing hurts more than seeing someone sitting at your favorite
corner cafe. I’m not telling you to avoid your computer or phones at all costs, but maybe keep your
reminiscing to a couple times a month rather than a couple times a day.
DO get involved on campus. The best way to keep your mind off something is to find an alternative
that’s worth occupying your time. Whether it’s a club or organization you were involved with prior to
going abroad, or one you never really considered joining before, go for it. Staying busy and focusing
your attention on something other than the fun times you had while abroad can help you seek amazing
By: Ashley Dellefave
35
36. opportunities you’re able to have in your home country. Want to combine your love for abroad and your
campus into one? If your university offers a club for the promotion of its international programs, try to
get involved: what better way to indulge in your love for abroad than by sharing your experiences and
passion with other students.
DON’T get stuck thinking that certain, or all aspects of your time abroad are better than your life in the
states. When you begin to compare your experiences, you forget about all of the great aspects of your life
in the U.S. and at your home university. Sure, you may not be able to hop on a plane for 50 dollars and
visit a different country, but you can take a road trip with your friends and explore cities you’ve never
even heard of. The nightlife might be different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun without clubs
and cheap beer. You may have to make some compromises, but it shouldn’t be anything that prevents
you from being happy where you are.
DO take advantage of resources like Skype and keep in touch with any contacts you made abroad.
If being so far away from your host country is too unbearable, make sure to stay connected with any
friends you made while there. They’re farther away than the home friends you traveled with, but they
can be that little piece of the world that you always have to rely on. A plus for maintaining a strong
relationship is that you will always have someone to visit the next time you're off on a new adventure.
Hopefully these tips will help you to stay happy and grounded once you’re home, and remember above
all else: if you truly loved your experience abroad, the opportunity for you to go back is always there, if
you search hard enough for it.
36
37. How To Lose Weight After Abroad
By: Barbara Onufrak
No matter what anyone says, you will gain weight abroad. It is a given. You are traveling to a new
country and the food is fantastic everywhere. This means there is no diet, no counting calories and no
cutting back. You will be overeating almost every time you go out. Don't look at this as bad but look
at it as enjoyment. Go eat as much as you want and worry about your weight when you’re home. How
many times will you get the chance to live in a different country for an extended period of time? So go
indulge on the food and be sure to try different dishes. This a time for you to relax and meet new friends.
This is a time to take a million selfies and go to places you have never seen before with people you are
just meeting. Being abroad really is an amazing experience and living in Cork will be a blast. Not many
people get this opportunity so make sure you enjoy every second you have in Cork with your friends.
When your trip has ended and you want to get back in shape, here are a few details to focus on. The
first is to tell your mind you're not on vacation anymore. There is no more waking up and seeing the
stunning Cork scenery.
The constant going out and eating whatever you want has sadly ended. You have been away for awhile
and your brain and body are used to overeating. You have to look at yourself in the mirror and accept
that you have gained some weight, which is okay. Almost everyone who goes abroad ends up gaining
some weight. You cannot help that there are so many different meals to try that it’s all too tempting.
You have to let yourself know that being away was a blast but now it's time to come back to reality. That
reality is regular college with studying for exams and doing homework constantly. The second tip is
to slowly start to cutting back on how much you eat. Substitute that grilled cheese for a healthy bar or
piece of fruit. Also, be sure not to skip breakfast; you need energy to get you through the day and when
you work out later. Try packing a pre-made egg white wrap or some fruit in a plastic container. You can
also make a food schedule for yourself; make a note of each food you are going to eat for every meal
each day.
For example, starting with Monday say that you will have a banana with peanut butter for breakfast.
Then at around 11 a.m. you give yourself a snack, a granola bar for example. For lunch at around 1 p.m.
you have a salad with a fruit smoothie. At 4 p.m. allow yourself another snack which could be some
pretzels with humus. At 7 p.m. for dinner, make a vegetable dish with rice and beans. Mapping out what
you are going to eat will help you to stay on track and not cheat. Once a week you could let yourself have
a little cookie or brownie for dessert. If you go in on a strict diet right away, it will only make it harder.
37
38. Keep in mind that results are not going to happen within a week. Losing weight takes time. The third
tip is exercise. Start this at a slow pace as well. No one works out while they are abroad and be honest if
you did; it was only for the first couple of weeks. You are on a long vacation, all you want to do is explore
the country and go out, your body is not used to
exercising. Start to go on light jogs around your neighborhood to get your body used to exercise again.
Then, once you get your body going again, you will be able to hit the gym three or four times a week.
Really focus on doing ab exercises and arm workouts. Your stomach and arms are probably where
you gained the most weight so you want to tackle those areas first. Try purchasing a workout tape that
specifically focuses on abs and arms. If you would rather not spend the money, you can check Pinterest
for some workouts and tons of options will come up that you can choose from. Again, make a schedule
of each workout that you are going to do each day. Make sure you switch it up and get different workouts
in each time you go to the gym to avoid repetition or boredom. As you start making progress, begin to
enhance all of the steps. Start to substitute more foods with healthier options and work out maybe four
times a week instead of two. You should also bring a friend who was abroad with you, that way you
will not be alone and will have someone to motivate you. If you really want to get intense, take a before
an after picture to see all of your improvements. You can take a picture the day you start working out
and take another four months later; seeing the before and after will really motivate you. Always stay
confident and do not give up. Just remember: it is not going to happen overnight, be patient! Doing all
of these will help you lose weight and get back to your old self!
38
39. Trotting to Your Next
Destination...
Barcelona!
39
Love the idea of soaking up the sun on the beaches of Spain? Or dancing the night away in some of
Europe’s most popular nightclubs? Barcelona may be the place for you.
This issue will contain all of the essential information you need to enjoy yourself through all of the
Spanish fiestas and siestas.
Feature stories:
Food
Because Barcelona in close to the shores of Spain, the seafood is bound to be extremely fresh and
delicious. Paella is a very well-known Spanish dish that varies depending on the region and people
who make it, though it often contains rice, shrimp and mussels, chorizo (sausage), tomatoes, and
a variety of spices. If seafood isn’t your thing, a Spanish tortilla may be the way to go. This dish’s
most simple form consists of only potatoes and eggs, cooked similarly to an omelet or frittata. Take
advantage of the wide variety of food choices Barcelona has to offer—you won’t be disappointed!
A Day in the Park
Pick a day when the weather is looking nice and check out Park Güell, one of Barcelona’s most
visited locations. Stroll down the winding, sandy walkways lined by trees and admire the mod-
ernist architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Most importantly, be sure to take a seat on the main terrace;
decorated with colorful mosaics and providing an excellent view of the park and city beyond, this
is definitely a spot you won’t want to miss.
Catalán 101
Though Spanish is Spain’s most widely spoken language, Barcelona is unique as it is located in
Cataluña, where a second language, Catalán, is prevalent. These two languages are very similar
at times, but can also be very different, something that could end up confusing even the most ex-
perienced Spanish speakers. We’ve come up with a selection of important words and phrases in
Catalán that will help you to survive in Barcelona and look like a true Española.