University of Limerick Alumni Spotlight: Aisling Fee

What were the highlights of your course? 

As I mentioned, I loved not only the variety of career paths afterwards but also the variety of the course content.

There are so many languages to choose from and you can pick advanced or beginner's level.

Aside from the core modules you also have optional modules and even for the fussiest of people there is something to spark your interest between linguistics, literature, cinema, economics, politics and many more.

I always knew I wanted to travel and studying languages would obviously be a way to make this dream a reality. As part of the course, we had to opportunity to do an international work placement and an Erasmus programme.

Both of which look great on your CV and show you are willing to adapt to new environments.

Furthermore, it enables you to discover a new culture and meet new people who have often a very different upbringing and mindset from you, which you can learn so much from.

As an AHSS student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like as a student here?

The facilities are really modern and top class, notably the sports facilities - between the running track, tennis courts, football pitches, gym, swimming pool etc., you won't be bored.

Also, you can't forget about the library, the canteens and of course Stables (the college bar), the craic couldn't be bet.  

A special mention is also necessary for the staff of the library café, who are the most wholesome women in the world. If you ever feel home sick and are missing mammy all you need to do is call in here for a cuppa and they will call you lovie, pet, darling and all of your problems instantly disappear.  

What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?

I would say put it on the top of your CAO. The quality of student life is unbeatable, you won't regret it!

Separately, what advice would you offer to students considering studying your course?

My applied languages course has got me places I could never have dreamed of. I am now completing an internship in the number one communication school in France.

I look at my fellow classmates and everyone is doing such cool and different things - teachers, journalists, sales positions, Foróige workers, Jameson brand ambassadors, support services for Apple.

There are lots of classes in smaller groups which makes it so much easier to make friends and also allows you to build a relationship with teaching staff, who by the way as a whole are really friendly and supportive, they don't take life too seriously and you could have a laugh with them.

I was never afraid to put my hand up in any class and ask the teacher to repeat or explain more. They were always happy to help and the classes were very interactive, we were never bored!

I used to look forward to going to class and I really enjoyed the content especially the language culture classes where we studied social issues, cinema, politics etc. specific to the regions.

Were you a member of any clubs or societies? If so, tell us a bit about your experience?

Yes! I was part of the GAA club and played on the football team. It was a great way to keep active and meet new people.

Often, we would travel to different places to play against different colleges such as Cork, Maynooth, Galway which was really enjoyable!

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL? 

There really are too many to mention between student race days, rag weeks, doing my Erasmus programme in Montpellier, my work placement in Madrid.

Honestly, if I had to pick a favourite, I would say it was the basics of living with my best friends. Giggling and gossiping until all hours of the morning and then walking across to the 24hour Inver at 3am for a spicy chicken roll, then dragging each other out of bed to get up for class at 9am.

They really were the best years ever!

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