AIFS Limerick is an unforgettable experience! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a relaxed system compared to my home institution, but the work that was presented was challenging. I felt like I had more of the choice of whether I wanted to attend class, and if the professors made the topics interesting to learn then I chose to attend. I never had homework or classwork, only a paper or two per class, and a final.

On-site administration of your program

Program administrators were always available by phone and email, and held a weekly meeting for participants as a time for us to ask questions or clear up events that may be coming up. The international office at University of Limerick was also very helpful and made themselves available during regular University business hours. The school also had an International Society that put on many events for the international community to integrate into the Irish community.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although I loved my roommates, it would have been fun to have more Irish roommates. I lived with 5 other American girls and 1 Irish boy. To me, this sounds like bad planning. When we got there the situation was a little tough because the heat was broken, the oven didn't work, and we had other miscellaneous complications, but overall, everything turned out good. It was a student village located a little less than a mile from campus, but the walk was rather easy. There was a bus stop located conveniently outside of the village that could bring you into the city for whatever reason (nightlife, shopping, bus station, etc.)

My roommates and I cooked for each other most nights, or went to a local restaurant. We grocery shopped weekly and usually cooked various meats, stews, salads, etc. Grocery stores such as Aldi and Lidl have the basics for cheap, and for more particular items we would make a trip to Dunnes every other week.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AIFS arranged for us to attend a Munster rugby match, a 3 day trip to London, various dinner and traditional music nights, a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Cobh, Ailwee Cave, Lisdoonvorna, the Guinness Factory, the Jameson Distillery, the Blarney Castle, and other tourist attractions. I also traveled by bus to many cities throughout Ireland with friends that I had met, as well as took a trip to Scotland over spring break.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe at my apartment, and in the city, though the reputation of Limerick isn't that great. I never experienced any negative safety experiences. I did make a trip to the health center a couple of times for tonsillitis and other health problems, and it was a free clinic located on campus open during regular business hours. The health center also provided numbers of on call doctors in case of emergencies during non-business hours.

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

Select all that apply

• Apartment
• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Local Students