Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring in Galway! Past Review

By (Rhetoric and Writing (English), University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 05/15/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can honestly say (though it may sound cliche, that it was the best experience of a lifetime--the best I have had so far). I surprised myself with my ability to be incredibly independent and broadened my horizons as far as forcing myself to go outside my comfort zone, physically, mentally, socially, the list could go on!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between $600 and $200 dollars (depending on whether I was traveling, etc.)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget once you get there and you can assess costs and opportunities..then try to stick to it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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 onsite administrators (Finn and Kev!)
  • Experiences/travel
  • The people I met
* What could be improved?
  • Fewer group meetings (they were every week which began to feel redundant and unnecessary)
  • More input from students as far as what we got to do in the places we traveled to
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try not to let the homesick days get to you. You have the rest of your life to be in the U.S.! Enjoy your experience abroad! Also..ignore what people say about not bringing umbrellas and rain boots. It's Ireland. You may look like a tourist but being dry, comfortable and warm is worth it!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.