On-Site Staff for Cork, Ireland

The Cork program is a Specialty program during the Summer term and a Partnership program during the Semester terms.

Semester Term Staff

The Cork program is administered in the U.S. by the USAC Central Office and in Cork, Ireland, by the University College Cork (UCC) International Office, which is responsible for answering questions about academic matters and housing, assisting with registration, and overseeing your general well-being. Marita Foster, Deputy Director, and Karen McSweeney, Senior Executive Assistant, along with their staff at the UCC International Office will provide a mandatory orientation, assist you with integration, and arrange social events.

In addition to the outstanding support available from the UCC International Office, USAC Resident Director Patrick O'Donnell is also available to USAC students. Patrick has worked closely with UCC throughout the past decade and served as a Resident Director for Academic Programs International (API).

Patrick helps you adjust to life in Cork, troubleshoots issues, and provides assistance with the UCC and Irish education system. Once you arrive and adapt to your new surroundings, he will host a meeting, walking tour of the city, and scavenger hunt during the first few days of the term. Moreover, he will plan field trips and optional tours and help keep you informed of what’s going on in the city. He hosts a welcome reception and is available for one-on-one meetings throughout the semester.

Summer Term Staff

Patrick O'Donnell is the Resident Director for the Cork summer program. Patrick has more than a decade of experience at University College Cork. Patrick meets the group flight at the airport, provides an on-site orientation, arranges program housing, and organizes interesting field trips, as well as the optional tour of Southwest Ireland.

Meet the Resident Director