Finances

Credit cards are widely used in Ireland. The best known are Visa, MasterCard, and to a lesser extent, American Express. Be prepared to show identification in order to use the card (this rarely happens but you should always have your ID with you anyways!)

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account and to ensure that your PIN will work while you are abroad.  

Have a 4-digit pin number for ATMs. While 6-digit pins are increasingly common in the US, you'll need a 4-digit pin in Ireland! Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for overseas use and that your PIN will work overseas.

 ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard) on them.  There are numerous ATMs in Cork, including Bank of Ireland & Ulster Bank, both of which have agreements with certain American Banks (check with your bank rep). The exchange rate for ATM withdrawals is usually the best available since it is the bank’s own bulk rate plus a 1-2 percent charge. Keep in mind that when you change cash abroad at an exchange business, they may have what appear to be low exchange rates, but they frequently also charge a commission

Most cards outside the US have a chip on the front; contact your bank to see if it’s possible to get a card with a chip. MOST PLACES IN IRELAND PREFER THE CHIP (the payment method where you simply tap your card rather than insert or swipe)  There are numerous ATMs in Cork, including Bank of Ireland & Ulster Bank, both of which have agreements with certain American Banks (check with your bank rep).

It is recommended that you carry the phone number of your local bank in case you lose your ATM card. 

• All students will be charged Holy Cross tuition and the Holy Cross standard room charge. 

• Board/meal plan will not be charged given that there is no meal plan at UCC. 

• All students will be billed a mandatory fee of approx. $235 per semester for Global Security Assistance and international Medical/Travel Insurance provided by International SOS (ISOS) and Cigna Global Health/Lloyd’s Insurance (students will NOT be charged the Health Service fee). This fee is considerably less than the cost of the policy and is subsidized by Holy Cross. 

• If a student is on campus at Holy Cross for one semester, they will be charged the Student Activity Fee. If a student is abroad for the academic year, they will not be charged this fee.​

The reason the student is billed directly by Holy Cross for the College’s tuition and housing is because they remain enrolled at Holy Cross, ensuring academic continuity and retaining access to important on-campus resources including College advising, academic oversight, transcript and degree-planning processes, Class Dean and Chaplaincy support, health and safety support, emergency assistance, and other services associated with an approved study abroad experience. This is the primary benefit of the Home School Tuition (HST) model.

HST also helps ensure that approved coursework taken abroad contributes appropriately to the student’s Holy Cross degree, and that participation does not unnecessarily disrupt progress toward the College’s eight-semester residential requirement or timely graduation.

The Home School Tuition policy permits eligible federal and institutional financial aid to be applied to a student’s Holy Cross account (subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable aid programs). Therefore, financial aid “travels” and can be applied towards the student’s Holy Cross term bill during the Fall/Spring terms that a student studies abroad.

Students should expect some additional expenses related to studying abroad. The following list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Additionally, students should not expect to have the same amenities abroad as they have at Holy Cross. Each program has different components unique to each location: 

•  REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS The student accommodation in Cork charges a housing deposit. Students are responsible for this fee. 

• FLIGHTS Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Ireland.

•  STUDENT VISA/RESIDENCY FEES The Irish Residency Permit costs around $300. Students are responsible for this fee.

•  AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION Students can expect to cover the cost of moving from the airport to UCC (Taxi, Uber, Bus available)

•  LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

•  MEALS 

•  BOOKS

•  PERSONAL EXPENSES (including bedding and kitchen supplies)

•  ENTERTAINMENT

•  LAUNDRY

•  PRINTING FEES

•  PACKING EXPENSES or storage fees for personal belongings 

•  COVID-19 TESTING

Here's a helpful guide to average prices in Cork to help you budget!