Pitt Global Experiences

Lillianna Steich, Arcadia, Spring 2026

Studying abroad has transformed my double major in psychology and sociology into a hands-on learning journey. Up until mid-March, we didn’t have any formal assignments—just a couple of introductory seminars—so the first two months felt pretty laid-back. This allowed me to observe how daily life unfolds in Cork, and even on typical weekdays, the city’s pubs were bustling with students and locals enjoying drinks, chatting, or catching a quick music performance. Those “third-place” meetups are exactly the type of informal social environment we talk about in sociology, and they’re taking place right outside the classroom. 

Since my schedule was pretty flexible, I was able to take short, casual breaks—like grabbing a tea at a café, strolling along the River Lee, or spending a few minutes watching a street performer. Those little breaks felt more rejuvenating than a long lunch break ever could. From a psychological perspective, these quick pauses can help reduce stress and keep our focus sharper, which I’m now considering for future research. 

The pubs also demonstrated how a community can serve as a laid-back support system. People often chat about personal matters in a chill environment, fostering a form of peer support that aligns with the concept of social capital explored in sociology. Witnessing this firsthand makes me reflect more on mental well-being as something that’s woven into our daily interactions, rather than just being about formal therapy. 

One important lesson I’ve learned is that work and play don’t need to be kept apart. Students wrap up a morning class, take a jog by the river, and then enjoy their evening at a lively pub without the guilt of ignoring their studies. This easygoing balance seems much healthier than the “work‑nonstop” mentality I’m familiar with back home, and it’s steering me towards career paths that value flexible hours and community-focused mental health programs. 

My short-term plan is to make the most of the flexibility I have right now and see if the habits I’m building can last when I get back home.  

• Incorporate short breaks into my study plan – Instead of studying for three hours straight, I’ll plan 10-minute “reset” breaks after each class or reading session. During these breaks, I’ll stretch, go outside for some fresh air, or enjoy a cup of tea. The aim is to find out if these quick breaks help me focus better and lessen the tiredness I usually experience after long study sessions in the U.S. 

• Use afternoons for relaxed community activities – I’ll make sure to participate in at least one non-academic activity each week: a quick jog, a trip to the English Market, or a casual hangout at a pub. On American campuses, afternoons are often packed with extra classes or work shifts; here, the cultural norm is that you can actually have “free” time, and I want to turn that into a regular habit instead of just a rare occasion. 

• Look for internships or volunteer work that offer flexible hours – Even though I haven’t had a real job yet, I’m searching for short-term opportunities (like being a research assistant in the sociology department or volunteering at a community mental health center) that let me choose my own hours. Many students in the U.S. feel like they have to take jobs with strict schedules; here, the idea is that you can work out a timetable that fits around your classes and personal time. 

• Apply what I learn to my future job search – When I start looking for jobs back in the States, I’ll focus on companies that really support flexible work hours, remote work, or judging performance based on results. I’ll use specific examples from my time in Cork—organized mornings, meaningful short breaks, and scheduled community time—to show how these habits have already helped my well-being and school performance. 

By viewing the more laid-back university life in Cork as a practice run, I hope to bring a better balance to my studies now and to my future job, instead of going back to the “always-on” mindset that often takes over American college life.