Loads of Americans, problems with diversity Past Review
By Lisa B (Western Europe, University of Calgary) - abroad from 09/01/2009 to 12/22/2009 with
AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick
I learned a lot about my own culture, which I did not expect. It was shocking to me how much people look to basic cultural stereotypes to identify people. I found people often asking me and my friends about our ethnicity and religion almost immediately after asking our names. In Canada, this would be inconceivably rude.
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 classes are all insanely easy and most of the grade is based on the final exam. If you are sentient, you can get a good grade. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Irish students are generally messy, so if you are a clean person prepare to be disgusted. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The university is set well back from the actual city and getting anywhere can be expensive and difficult. Rely on public transit at your own risk. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Only go into the city at night in a group. The campus is safe, though. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Walk to the grocery store and then take a cab back once a week, it is faster than the bus and easier on your arms. |
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?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | Irish students love to party and do it all the time. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
