Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring 2016 Past Review

By (Bethany College, KS) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/17/2017 with

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how independent I can be. That I don't need others to do what I want. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics are abroad are harder over there. There is one big test at the very end and not tests throughout.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The 2 Irish women who were there were amazing. They gave us their numbers if we needed help during our time there. They were helpful and understanding.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Plessey Village. It was a 10 minute walk to the actual campus. I ended up living with 7 other American girls, so don't expect that you will be put with Irish students.

* Food:

Irish food is the best food! Steak and Guinness Stew is the best. All of the potatoes in Ireland have been touched by angels to be made the best tasting potatoes ever. If you do happen to be a vegan, I had a vegan friend while over there and she didn't have a problem.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a clinic on campus. It's 25 euro a visit. My experiences there weren't that great. I had the doctor take a personal phone call while I was in his office. I was not prescribed enough mediation for my illness. The pharmacists are the real people to go to. They don't cost a thing and know what you need. Irish doctors aren't the best.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe on campus and in the city at night. I walked across campus at 4:30 in the morning to catch a bus to Dublin. I didn't feel unsafe at anytime during my time in Ireland. I never got the feeling that I was in any danger.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved being in Ireland. The people were great and there was so much to see of the country.

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)

You aren't able to work while in Ireland so you end up having to use money that you have already saved.

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? Go on the trips. Travel. I know it's expensive but living in Ireland will never be this cheap again. Your scholarships are helping you be there. You get to live in Ireland for 4 months for the cost of being at home. Just make sure you aren't going overboard.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Meeting other international students
  • Traveling in the country
  • Book Club
* What could be improved?
  • More information about the program beforehand
  • Overview of what the courses are like
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't expect the classes to be as hard as they were. I wish I would have known what to expect.

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.