Time literally flies. I feel like it passes by way quicker than it does when you are at home. Either way, it's probably because it is different when you're not at home. You want to make the most of your time, want to meet new friends as often as possible, want to see the country, want to make the most of your time. Plus, it's tempting; the pubs, the city, the landscape...besides, there is another kind of workload in Ireland than it is in Germany. At home, you have exams at the end of the semester. During the semester it is, mainly, easy peasy lemon squeezy: there simply is not that much to do. Certainly, you are advised to prepare and follow up on the classes' contents but, frankly, who does ever do this? As for myself, I get to summarize classes easily and at the end of the term you have your exam. Sometimes, there are essays and paper that are due during the semester which is more of an exception than the normal case. Mostly, essays or presentations even replace the exam.
In Ireland, it is different. There is not one single course that is assessed by an exam only. Usually it is 50 per cent CA and 50 per cent exam. CA stands for continuous assignment which can either be a presentation or an essay. Or both. And it always includes reports/self-reflections. There are a few classes that only require CAs, but this still means: two exams during the semester (October and December) and a huge presentation in groups. Usually, exams take place in January at my college, but this course has its exams written before which is why it is called CA.
I have six modules a 2 hours, making it 12 in total which sounds super little. It isn't, because there are tons of CAs and if you postpone it due to trips, it is hard to catch up.
Still, I get to see places and get to enjoy students' life in Dublin. It is, after all, just a matter of organization.
