Ireland: Learn a little in the classroom and everything on the street Past Review
By Maria R (English, University of North Dakota) for
AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick
I found that I can adapt easily in different situations and I've made some lifelong friends, both in Ireland and the U.S.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved the University of Limerick, though if I were to do it all over again I'd try to study in Galway, Ireland or Edinburgh, Scotland. Everyone was incredibly friendly and the teachers are very patient, as one of them said "we're so laid back we're horizontal". The grading system was hard to get used to but the workload was significantly reduced from what I was accustomed to. In this case, you really do get out of it what you're willing to put into it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were adequate and more than willing to help anytime someone had questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The only complains I have regarding housing were the short hours where heat was provided (2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the evening) and the shower conditions. It was almost impossible to get a hot shower. I would have liked to live with other Irish students instead of all Americans. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everything in Ireland is a cultural experience :-) |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Limerick is not a safe place to stay, and I would not recommend ladies walking alone at night or during the day. If you travel in a group you were usually fine. |
| 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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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you make smart choices everything will go exactly the way you want it to. Do as much as you can because it never seems like you'll have enough time to see everything you want! |
