Ireland: an experience I wouldn't trade for anythig Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes in Ireland are much more laid back during the year, but then all the grade is weighted on the end of year exams. The grading system is also very different. It took me some time to adjust to the fact that when you get 60% that's a B. With the grading weighted like that you might assume it's really easy to get good grades, but in reality the lecturers just grade harder, so it probably evens out about the same in the end. (I just remember freaking out when I got my first paper back and it was a 62, but again that is actually a good grade).

On-site administration of your program

If I ever had any questions Ialways knew exactly who to ask and it never took long to get a response.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in on campus housing. It consisted of eight people, four upstairs and four downstairs. We all shared a kitchen/living room and there was a bathroom for each floor. (The nationalities of my house included two Irish, one Canadian, one German, two French, and two american, 3 guys and 5 girls). The house was awesome, and I'm glad I got to live there. Everything was provided for settling in. I didn't have to worry about buying sheets and an ethernet cord or even dishes. The only thing other than food that I had to buy were hangers, soap, and other inexpensive stuff like that.

The food was delicious, I missed certain types of food that are of easy convenience in the states, but I fell in love with kebabs and taco fries and will be on the lookout for them when I get back to the states. One thing that I never could understand was that other than fast food places, it's almost impossible to get food after 6:00pm (unless you want to pay for a fancy meal).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

UL has two pubs right on campus that serve food and drinks all day. It was really easy to socialize with everyone on campus. I think that's one of the things I'll miss most about this experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health center was slow and often were rude when my friends went in for being sick. Also they seemed to have ridiculous hours. But they usually gave good diagnoses and were actually helpful.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Americans