Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Stepping out of what I know into what I needed Past Review

By (Bryant University) - abroad from 01/01/0012 to 05/26/0012 with

API (Academic Programs International): Cork - National University Of Ireland, University College Cork

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SO WORTHWHILE! I gained self confidence and independence, some life long friends, and a place I can now call my second home. I didn't lose anything from the trip and I wish that it never ended!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful through the crazy beginning process! There were many ways to reach them and ask them questions, and they were incredibly nice and approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had my own room and own bathroom, and I was mixed with American and Irish students. The building was a little dirty, and the manager hard to deal with, but they give you everything you need and you have the perfect mix of social places as well as your own space.

* Food:

No free school cafeteria :(

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Irish people are AMAZING. We had the best adviser for our group who showed us all around the city and took us to hurling matches as well as football games. She even had coffee with me when I was feeling homesick. She was truly amazing, and made Cork feel like home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable

* Safety:

You felt amazingly safe. Our adviser pointed out areas you should avoid at night right on the first day, but the city and town gave you a very safe feel. I never felt like I was in danger, even in the 2 am morning walks

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

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 have to save before you leave, expect around a 3000$ buy at the end. Most of it will go to traveling and food.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go on buying sprees, and save your money until later. Then you know how much room you have to spend and can buy the things you want!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The group of people I was with
  • The constant support throughout the application and actual process
  • The amount of things the group gets you to do (Paris excursion, hurling matches)
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing. Seriously
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everything would work out, and not to stress over being homesick or missing your friends. Try new things everyday because you never know when you will have this opportunity again.