Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most rewarding time of my life. Past Review

By (Geology, Hartwick College) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 12/22/2012 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?
This experience was totally worthwhile. I really learned who I was this term and how to rely on myself. I find that because of this I am now willing and wanting to do things that I never would have considered before. I find that I am more outgoing and more sociable. I am also better able to rely on myself for things because here no one is going to look after you. I have become a cleaner, more organised person. I can cook better and I have learned very useful skills for budgeting and time management.

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.

I loved the classes and the college but, due to not having homework or exams, felt unprepared when it came to finals time. Documents were easy to find outside of class and the library system is very easy to use to find books.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Victoria Lodge and the housing was nice but some of the furniture was dirty (we were told we would get a new couch but it never came). We were also missing some items that were supposed to be provided, like oven mitts, and they were never delivered no matter how many times we asked. The apartment was fairly neat and the location is within reasonable walking distance to campus and city center.

* Food:

Every restaurant I tried had amazing food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really began to feel like one of the community during my stay here. I understood their causes and attended the events in city center and felt like I was a part of the community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any health care during the trip but a friend did and she was taken care of very well.

* Safety:

I felt totally safe in Cork City. I wouldn't push my luck with things but I felt as if I could walk back to my apartment at night and not be bothered.

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)

It was very easy for me to live on a low budget for food and school but I went to a lot of events and these began to add up quickly, especially when travelling and having to eat out there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120/ week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The English Market has great fresh foods and a lot of times you can get food for cheaper than at Tesco and everything is local Irish products. I could find everything I needed to and the people in the shops were great to work with and were able to help if I couldn't find something. Also, try to make your own food instead of getting take away every night, that can really start to add up.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 friends I made
  • The places I visited
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to live with Irish students
  • Our apartment building could have been improved
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had looked at things around Cork to do so I could have seen more of the country.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!