A juxtaposed journey of travel and self reflection Past Review
By A student (Berea College) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/23/2012 with
AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick
I learned about travel. Such as who to travel with, and how my personality fits with others.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
University of Limerick is a cool institution with some fantastic and quality teacher but compared to Berea College rigor it is much easier. I believe this is not only due to the difference in the educational system but also the size of the school. Despite the large class size professor did try to make themselves free during office hours to allow for student questions. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration was very helpful. U of L is used to having international students amongst their student body so they allow for time to adjust classes, and have a whole office dedicated to making the experience/ transition easier. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were not idea due to the fact that they places international student with irish freshman. Which in some cases could lead to great networking and good international friends, but in most cases led to cleaning up after freshmen who though it was ok to have others clean up after them. I would advise anyone studying abroad to be open and clear about the cleaning situation, and food at the beginning of the semester. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Adjusting to the culture was a positive experience. The people were friendly and welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any experience with the health care. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe on campus, and in plassey village where I lived. There were instances of vandalism where students threw eggs at window, but nothing that would cause harm. Limerick city is safe despite its nickname as stab city, although you may not want to walk in a dark ally at night. Just like any large city precaution should be taken. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
2.5- If would have been nice to have more food money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150, |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to conserve money so you can spend it on trips to other parts of Europe. Avoid drink to much because the cost adds up. Also, split food with a house make if possible. It will cut down on food cost and prevent your food from spoiling faster than one person can eat it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known to check all of my electrons to see if they will work with a converter. I also wish someone would have told me the food spoils faster in Europe. Try to make as many friends from different countries as possible this might one of the few times in your life that you have the opportunity to spend so much time with so many different kinds of people. Learn as much as you can about the cultures around you, and don't be afraid to ask questions! There is a lot of free time so utilize it by spending time with new people, or traveling. Take advantage of the fact that it is your semester abroad but do not get complacent and forget about studying and turning in your work. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
African Literature |
| Course Department: | English |
| Instructor: | Liatos Yianna |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was very challenging. I make this statement in the most positive way because I took a lot away from the course. She demanded a lot from her students but was will to converse and explain when needed. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
