Here are some of the shades of green I have come to know and love in Cork...
12.20.2007
12.17.2007
Studying abroad? Don't skimp on the preparations
Studying abroad? Don't skimp on the preparations
Word@TimesRecord.Com
Shades of Green — By Katharine Rose Gergosian, Special to WoRD
As studying abroad becomes more popular and education becomes more global, I thought it might be helpful for readers if I shared my newfound wisdom.
For starters, make sure you are very prepared. Research and ask questions before you leave, so you will know what to expect on your journey to your new temporary home. When I left Maine in September, I was able to navigate the airport and customs smoothly, had enough money in the correct currency for my cab fare, and found my apartment with little trouble, since I had done my homework and paid attention to the finer details early on.
This also made my trip more enjoyable, since I could solely concentrate on taking in all the new experiences around me.
Learn all you can about baggage regulations, and then fine tune your packing skills. The airline attendant will measure and weigh your luggage, so stick to the rules! As I prepared to leave for Ireland, I decided to bring only one suitcase with me. By opting to travel a bit lighter, I could easily manage my baggage on my own. But remember: when packing, you walk a fine line. If you opt for fewer items, you are agreeing to do laundry more often.
Once you have arrived at your destination, be vigilant when it comes to your safety. During my first few weeks in Ireland, I explored the city during the day on my own, but at night, I always traveled in a group and went to specific destinations I was already familiar with. Also make sure to keep a close eye on your passport. It is the most important piece of identification that you carry while out of the country, and it is the most difficult to replace if lost.
As a visiting student, you represent your country, your university and your family. It is important to raise your level of excellence a couple of notches. Practice diplomacy at all times, especially when it seems the hardest. Respect established policies and procedures, even if they appear mundane or unnecessary from your perspective. You are the guest, and your role is to observe and learn, not to initiate change or criticism. Too often I have seen students from the United States questioning basic requirements with an almost arrogant pursuit for American familiarity.
Academic and social situations also require you putting your best foot in front of the other. Your performance and participation in the classroom show your professors and sponsors your commitment and appreciation for this learning opportunity. Outside of school, relax and enjoy your newfound friends, but keep all things in moderation. Social networks like Facebook and Myspace, for example, are seen by more and more people, so watch what you post or what you give others the opportunity to capture on film.
Perhaps the most important point to consider when going to a new country is to keep an open mind and heart at all times. Take in every new experience like a child who is learning a new task for the first time. Savor it and make the most of each moment, for this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Move away from your comfort zone and explore new territory. Do not limit yourself to only English-speaking or American friendships. While language barriers can create challenges and confusion at times, there is always the universal smile to ease an awkward encounter.
Above all, remember it is your attitude that determines the success of your experience. If you are prepared, calm and positive, your trip will more than likely be the adventure you want it to be.
Katharine Rose Gergosian is a 2005 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School and a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington studying secondary English education. She is spending a semester abroad in Ireland at the University College Cork. As the recipient of the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship she is devoted to sharing her experiences with others and bringing cultural awareness to those on both sides of the ocean. She can be reached at katharine.gergosian@gmail.com.
Word@TimesRecord.Com
Shades of Green — By Katharine Rose Gergosian, Special to WoRD
As studying abroad becomes more popular and education becomes more global, I thought it might be helpful for readers if I shared my newfound wisdom.
For starters, make sure you are very prepared. Research and ask questions before you leave, so you will know what to expect on your journey to your new temporary home. When I left Maine in September, I was able to navigate the airport and customs smoothly, had enough money in the correct currency for my cab fare, and found my apartment with little trouble, since I had done my homework and paid attention to the finer details early on.
This also made my trip more enjoyable, since I could solely concentrate on taking in all the new experiences around me.
Learn all you can about baggage regulations, and then fine tune your packing skills. The airline attendant will measure and weigh your luggage, so stick to the rules! As I prepared to leave for Ireland, I decided to bring only one suitcase with me. By opting to travel a bit lighter, I could easily manage my baggage on my own. But remember: when packing, you walk a fine line. If you opt for fewer items, you are agreeing to do laundry more often.
Once you have arrived at your destination, be vigilant when it comes to your safety. During my first few weeks in Ireland, I explored the city during the day on my own, but at night, I always traveled in a group and went to specific destinations I was already familiar with. Also make sure to keep a close eye on your passport. It is the most important piece of identification that you carry while out of the country, and it is the most difficult to replace if lost.
As a visiting student, you represent your country, your university and your family. It is important to raise your level of excellence a couple of notches. Practice diplomacy at all times, especially when it seems the hardest. Respect established policies and procedures, even if they appear mundane or unnecessary from your perspective. You are the guest, and your role is to observe and learn, not to initiate change or criticism. Too often I have seen students from the United States questioning basic requirements with an almost arrogant pursuit for American familiarity.
Academic and social situations also require you putting your best foot in front of the other. Your performance and participation in the classroom show your professors and sponsors your commitment and appreciation for this learning opportunity. Outside of school, relax and enjoy your newfound friends, but keep all things in moderation. Social networks like Facebook and Myspace, for example, are seen by more and more people, so watch what you post or what you give others the opportunity to capture on film.
Perhaps the most important point to consider when going to a new country is to keep an open mind and heart at all times. Take in every new experience like a child who is learning a new task for the first time. Savor it and make the most of each moment, for this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Move away from your comfort zone and explore new territory. Do not limit yourself to only English-speaking or American friendships. While language barriers can create challenges and confusion at times, there is always the universal smile to ease an awkward encounter.
Above all, remember it is your attitude that determines the success of your experience. If you are prepared, calm and positive, your trip will more than likely be the adventure you want it to be.
Katharine Rose Gergosian is a 2005 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School and a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington studying secondary English education. She is spending a semester abroad in Ireland at the University College Cork. As the recipient of the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship she is devoted to sharing her experiences with others and bringing cultural awareness to those on both sides of the ocean. She can be reached at katharine.gergosian@gmail.com.
12.03.2007
Seeing the sights of Killarney
Seeing the sights of Killarney
Word@TimesRecord.Com
Shades of Green — By Katharine Rose Gergosian, Special to WoRD
This past week, I had the opportunity to do a little sight-seeing beyond the city limits of Cork. I traveled to Killarney, a small quaint town about an hour's drive northwest of Cork on the opposite side of the island of Ireland.
Going by bus, we rode on a two-lane, winding road that traversed a rich topography of rolling hills and plush greenery. I held my breath a few times as the road came close to the edge of a cliff. Fortunately, the Irish are sane about their driving habits and take precautions on these back roads.
Coming into Killarney, we saw thatched roof buildings and farms divided by stone walls carefully made by hand many years ago. There were jaunting cars and horse-driven carriages that used to be the only way to get around Ireland. Gorgeous mountains that perhaps would be considered hills in United States standards slopped down to three main lakes that stretch along a broad valley. These are the world famous "Lakes of Killarney" and they offer views that are simply stunning.
Hopping on a bicycle in downtown Killarney, I made my way through the busy streets to the outskirts of town where the Killarney National Park is located. If possible, the scenery was even more picturesque.
Dirt roads led me through fields and a forest full of cows, birds and majestic trees known as Oakwoods. In the heart of the park is Muckross Estate, a beautiful Victorian estate that proved to be the perfect place for lunch.
One of the highlights of this journey was seeing Torc Waterfall. It is not particularly tall, dropping 60 feet from the peak, but once again, the views were amazing. From the bottom of the falls, I looked up and followed the path of the water down over the cliffs and to the river below. Climbing the incredibly steep path next to the falls, I reached a peak near the top with more inspiring views of the park and nearby mountain ranges.
I travelled with the University College Cork's International Society. There were about 50 of us from many different parts of the world and it provided the perfect backdrop for this weekend of new experiences. Here was a wealth of learning about different cultures and countries waiting to be tapped into and unfolded.
One of the ways we discovered more about our various native cultures was through food. We cooked and dined on Italian, French and German cuisine. I offered a little of my Armenian heritage with a dish of pilaf in between traditional American fare of macaroni and cheese and apple crisp.
On the way back home, in the middle of the countryside, there was a sign that caught everyone's attention. It was painted bright yellow with a colorful little man and red printing that read "Leprechaun Crossing."
The bus driver heard us chuckling and told us that legend has it long ago in Ireland, the land was filled with wee folk. The leprechauns were shoemakers for the fairies and each one guarded a crock of gold that he kept hidden at the end of a rainbow.
"If you are lucky enough to spot one, fix him in your gaze," he advised, "for if you don't, he will trick you and once you look away, he will vanish and you will never see him again, nor the crock of gold."
Ireland is truly a beautiful, magical place. There is much to be said for a country that time seems to have forgotten — where marble is still mined by hand and many people get around by bicycle.
Katharine Rose Gergosian is a 2005 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School and a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington studying secondary English education. She is spending a semester abroad in Ireland at the University College Cork. As the recipient of the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship she is devoted to sharing her experiences with others and bringing cultural awareness to those on both sides of the ocean. She can be reached at katharine.gergosian@gmail.com.
Word@TimesRecord.Com
Shades of Green — By Katharine Rose Gergosian, Special to WoRD
This past week, I had the opportunity to do a little sight-seeing beyond the city limits of Cork. I traveled to Killarney, a small quaint town about an hour's drive northwest of Cork on the opposite side of the island of Ireland.
Going by bus, we rode on a two-lane, winding road that traversed a rich topography of rolling hills and plush greenery. I held my breath a few times as the road came close to the edge of a cliff. Fortunately, the Irish are sane about their driving habits and take precautions on these back roads.
Coming into Killarney, we saw thatched roof buildings and farms divided by stone walls carefully made by hand many years ago. There were jaunting cars and horse-driven carriages that used to be the only way to get around Ireland. Gorgeous mountains that perhaps would be considered hills in United States standards slopped down to three main lakes that stretch along a broad valley. These are the world famous "Lakes of Killarney" and they offer views that are simply stunning.
Hopping on a bicycle in downtown Killarney, I made my way through the busy streets to the outskirts of town where the Killarney National Park is located. If possible, the scenery was even more picturesque.
Dirt roads led me through fields and a forest full of cows, birds and majestic trees known as Oakwoods. In the heart of the park is Muckross Estate, a beautiful Victorian estate that proved to be the perfect place for lunch.
One of the highlights of this journey was seeing Torc Waterfall. It is not particularly tall, dropping 60 feet from the peak, but once again, the views were amazing. From the bottom of the falls, I looked up and followed the path of the water down over the cliffs and to the river below. Climbing the incredibly steep path next to the falls, I reached a peak near the top with more inspiring views of the park and nearby mountain ranges.
I travelled with the University College Cork's International Society. There were about 50 of us from many different parts of the world and it provided the perfect backdrop for this weekend of new experiences. Here was a wealth of learning about different cultures and countries waiting to be tapped into and unfolded.
One of the ways we discovered more about our various native cultures was through food. We cooked and dined on Italian, French and German cuisine. I offered a little of my Armenian heritage with a dish of pilaf in between traditional American fare of macaroni and cheese and apple crisp.
On the way back home, in the middle of the countryside, there was a sign that caught everyone's attention. It was painted bright yellow with a colorful little man and red printing that read "Leprechaun Crossing."
The bus driver heard us chuckling and told us that legend has it long ago in Ireland, the land was filled with wee folk. The leprechauns were shoemakers for the fairies and each one guarded a crock of gold that he kept hidden at the end of a rainbow.
"If you are lucky enough to spot one, fix him in your gaze," he advised, "for if you don't, he will trick you and once you look away, he will vanish and you will never see him again, nor the crock of gold."
Ireland is truly a beautiful, magical place. There is much to be said for a country that time seems to have forgotten — where marble is still mined by hand and many people get around by bicycle.
Katharine Rose Gergosian is a 2005 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School and a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington studying secondary English education. She is spending a semester abroad in Ireland at the University College Cork. As the recipient of the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship she is devoted to sharing her experiences with others and bringing cultural awareness to those on both sides of the ocean. She can be reached at katharine.gergosian@gmail.com.
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