Meet University College Cork's first CampusConnect Ambassadors!
It’s an exciting time for University College Cork, who have partnered with CampusConnect for the first time to provide their incoming students with a solid support network of fellow applicants, current student ambassadors and alumni. We spoke to some of the new ambassadors who can’t wait to pass on their experiences and lend a helping hand.
Harsha, Thailand, Medicine
Fun fact: Harsha enjoys scuba diving and works as a scuba divemaster during the summers!
“I wanted to study somewhere entirely opposite to busy Bangkok, and Cork is a beautiful city with a great university – it seemed like the place to be! I got involved with CampusConnect because I think it’s a great initiative, not only to find out about a prospective university and be able to ask questions from students, but also to meet new people and make friends before coming to a new place all alone. I know I would have benefitted from something like this in my first month or so of being in Cork. I’d encourage new students to go with the flow: it’s easy to get stressed out by things like paperwork, visas and flights, but if you can hold on and embrace the uncertainty, things always work out!”
Instagram: harshaisharsha
Brenda, Mexico, PhD Sociology
Career goal: Brenda hopes to pursue a career in academia or policy making for NGOs.
“I first heard of UCC at a university fair in Puebla where I met Cliona Maher. She was very helpful and gave me my first insights about Cork and the college. The Master’s program was very relevant to my interests, and I thought the department’s research was very innovative. Before I came to Ireland, I looked for blog entries and videos on Youtube about life in Cork. I also had a friend there who introduced me to people. This was really helpful as they helped me to register and find accommodation. From my experience, I’d tell those who come from a warm country to bring layers and take vitamin D. The weather isn’t great, but Irish people are very nice. You won’t regret moving to Cork!”
Instagram: brendamoto
Twitter: @BMondragonT
Son Ha, Vietnam, Pharmacy
Fun fact: Son Ha’s hobbies include video games, photography and chess!
“I first came to Ireland when I was 17 years old, so I got to know most of the problems that every student would encounter when they first arrive, especially those who have never been abroad before studying here. I thought that I could be a person that makes their journey here a bit more pleasant and easier to cope with by sharing my experience with them. I also believe that during this time it is more important than ever to have good communication between people. If I had to tell students one thing, it would be: “work hard, play hard!” I know university can be challenging, especially for international students, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your social life to get good results. And if you feel a bit different to others, believe that you are not the only one who feels that way, and you will always eventually find a group for yourself!”
Almas, India, MSc Public Health
Fun fact: Almas enjoys learning languages and speaks English, Hindi, Spanish and Urdu. She even plans to learn German and Arabic in the next year!
“UCC is one of the best research universities and provides a rich and diverse platform from students to professors. Ireland is also a very tolerant country and everyone welcomes you here. Still, coming all the way to Ireland on my own was a terrifying yet exciting experience, heightened by the ongoing pandemic. I personally received continuous support from UCC and my fellow Indian batchmates, and now I want to help future students to have a smooth transition from home to university. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so consider yourself fortunate to be a part of UCC. Although there’ll be deadlines, try to make the most of your time as it won’t come around again.”
Ellie, US, BA (Hons) Economics (through Transformational Learning)
Fun fact: Ellie has played soccer for 17 years. She also loves the moon!
“I was born in Ireland and moved to the US at a young age, so I wanted to come back to experience my culture! Being an international student can be difficult, so having the right sources and network of people to reach out to for questions is really helpful, and I’d like to be that person for new students. I would encourage students to step outside their comfort zone – everyone is in the same boat as yourself, so don’t be afraid of anything.”
Instagram: elliefarrelll
Meet, India, MSc Corporate Finance
Career goal: Meet hopes to gain experience in the short term to equip him to start his own business.
“I enjoy swimming, travelling and seeing new places. For me, UCC was an obvious choice: being in Ireland’s second largest city, it’s ideal for jobs and travelling. I also love to pull pranks, which sometimes lands me in trouble but that’s all part of the fun! I take every opportunity to meet and learn from new people, which is why I became an ambassador. I’ll be able to help students navigate their journey using the latest experience I’ve had. Life can be really unpredictable, so I would recommend being flexible with planning and seize every opportunity you get in life.”
Instagram: meet2710
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meet-parekh/
Hannah, Brazil, MA Translation Studies
Top tip: Join a society as soon as possible!
“I chose UCC because it was a historic university that offered the course I was looking for in translation, and I’m hoping to find a job as an in-house translator. I’m a CampusConnect alumni ambassador because I want to offer incoming students what I didn't have, which is someone to ask questions to, and to ask for advice. My first piece of advice to incoming students would be to live within walking distance of UCC because relying on public transport can be a big headache - especially during these times! Also, join a society as soon as possible as it will give you friends and a community to belong to.”
Han, China, Chemistry
Fun fact: Han is into hand craft!
“I’m studying chemistry and my goal is to continue research in academia. I found out most of the information about my course from the UCC Beijing Representative Office. The reason I’d like to be an ambassador is to share essential information with overseas students. My words of wisdom to them would be to be prepared, knuckle down, and enjoy it!”
Twitter: @hanshao0320
Tarun, Thailand, Medicine
Top tip: Always strive to understand things you don’t - it will benefit you in the long run!
“My hobbies include watching period dramas and attempting to draw art pieces resembling the rich and lavish cultural history of Asia. I also love looking into genealogy and geography! I originally found out about my programme through an agency supporting south East-Asian students called “Study Ireland”. The fact that I did not have a lot of students to look up to and had to personally find people to ask about campus life and experience really pushed me to become a CampusConnect ambassador. This is because I want to bridge to gap between prospective students and current students, assuring them that they have made a well-informed choice before arriving here.”
Instagram: tarunmdas
Twitter: @dasmtarun
Larissa, Brazil, Marine Geology
Fun fact: Larissa loves going to the sea, travelling, running and food!
“I believe CampusConnect is a great support initiative that I would have loved to access when I was starting at UCC. I think therefore that becoming an Ambassador is a great way to give back some of the support I had back when I started. UCC is a great university: it has a great infrastructure and strong research community. I would advise students to enjoy what UCC has to offer and try to make the most of the knowledge experience within your degree.”
Twitter: @LarissaMacedoCO
Aside from a fondness of Cork and a love for UCC, these ambassadors and alumni all share a willingness to guide incoming students on their journey to university. We can’t wait to welcome students onto UCC CampusConnect and watch more friendships form!