Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Indescribable Past Review

By (Communication, University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned how to take care of myself and gained a lot of experiences that will hopefully help me get a good job when I graduate. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had no idea who my advisor was and wasn't too sure who to go to if i had any problems.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I specified that I NEEDED a smoke-free house and ended up living with 3 smokers.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always felt like an American vacationing in Ireland for 4 months. I never really felt as though I was immersed in the Irish culture. I know some programs provided their students with an Irish "buddy" maybe that would have helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

What ever questions I had about healthcare were answered by Elaine.

* Safety:

I've never felt unsafe here in Limerick.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* 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)

i didn't realize how much I was spending until I barely had any money left. That's when I began to finally learn how important it was for me to save my money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 100 euros on food and such weekly.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shope at Penny's (Primark) if there is one in your country. It's extremely cheap and their stuff will last you until the end of the semester. Also, create a weekly budget for yourself and write down everything you buy and how much you spend on it. That'll really help you keep track on your spending habits and show you what you can cut back on buying if you need to save money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meal checks
  • Organized trips
  • Companionship among others in the program
* What could be improved?
  • Less expensive
  • Survey to see where everyone wanted to take trips to
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to cook more.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.