Irishland Past Review
By Emily J (Sociology/Criminal Justice, Point Loma Nazarene University) for
AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick
Yes! Everything about studying abroad, even if it isn't perfect or the "time of your life" every second, is worth it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The school system was so very very different so that was a huge adjustment. Classes are huge and most of the Irish students have had the same exact classmates for all of their classes. Some of my classes were even taught by more than one professor, depending on the day and topic. The grading scale is way different and confusing. Not a lot of interaction with professors. Two of my classes had zero projects/homework/assignments and my grade was based solely on my final examination. That was stressful and doesn't seem to represent a student's overall learning. Other than that, it was manageable. The classes offered particularly for study abroad students were fun and definitely took into account the limited focus on class time and larger interest in travel and exploration. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AIFS states that students will be living with Irish housemates, yet most of us were with mainly Americans. A total letdown. I wished there were more weekly activities since Limerick doesn't have too much to offer. We didn't see the RD as often as we saw her assistant which seemed odd at times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Other on-campus arrangements were much nicer, but plassey was fine enough. Need more irish and American housemates. |
| * Food: |
Aldi is an awesome cheap grocery store in walking distance. I never went out to any restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Seeing the rugby game was fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe on campus or in the neighborhood. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Europe is expensive! Even if the flights to travel are way cheaper than at home, it adds up quickly and there are several hidden fees! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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