Ireland: my life-changing experience Past Review
By Kelly L (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Salem State College) for
API (Academic Programs International): Galway - National University Of Ireland, Galway
My study abroad experience was more than worthwhile, it gave me courage and understanding that there is more to life, and the perspective that the world is bigger than I ever thought. It gave me the knowledge that I can't always be home when I want to be (I had four close people in my life pass away while gone), but it gave me the strength to know that I can overcome anything if I put my mind to it. My study abroad experience changed me so much for the better. Not only did I mature, but I got to know myself, and how strong I really am.
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. |
Although there was a heavy reading list for me, I felt in general the academics were fairly easy compared to my education experience in the U.S. I didn't have any homework in any of my classes, and my finals were based on mostly essays involving my opinion on the work we were studying. Although I thought that overall it was an easy semester for me, it was also difficult because I didn't have the personal connection with the professor, so asking for help on a question I may have had was less personal. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host Country program was outstanding. My program director was there for us at any time of the night, even when she had a family to care for. She took us under her wings and made sure that we knew that she was there for us no matter what we were going through. There was nothing that I was afraid of talking to her about throughout my whole experience in Ireland. It was unbelievable to me that my program director talked to each one of us if we had a problem, and got to know each one of us on a personal level. She was like a mother to me, helping my homesickness slip through my fingers. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was apartment style, complete with a tenant. My apartment held two double bedrooms, one single bedroom, each room holding a bathroom (complete with single shower,toilet and sink). We had a full kitchen,living room, washer & dryer and outside porch. Although it was a twenty minute walk to campus and downtown, I felt very safe in the area we were in. The apartment complex was protected by a coded gate outside with excellent lighting in and around the complex. |
| * Food: |
I usually just bought food at the supermarket and cooked at home. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Obviously the Pubs in Ireland were very memorable, giving me the rich experience of the nightlife in Ireland. My program also took us to a sporting area, giving us the opportunity to play many different Irish sports such as Gaelic football and rugby. My program also took us on a trip to Paris for a weekend, which was very memorable and exciting. The one complaint I have about that trip was the location in which was picked for our hotel, which was in the middle of the red light district. I did not feel very safe past 11 PM walking around the streets near our hotel, but overall the trip was great, giving us the basis of France culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
There was a point where lice was going around in my apartment complex, and the situation was dealt with very quickly by our program director, giving us advice and warning. |
| 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? | I spent approximately 100 Euro per week. For the most part, the shopping in the supermarkets in Ireland is intended for weekly use. Going out every night was pretty much a given, and going out was not cheap. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Some spending advice that I have is to make sure you keep track of what you have. There was a point in my trip that I went to Scotland, and found that I had no money left in my account. Thank goodness I had a credit card, because I would probably still be stuck there. Definitely manage your money wisely, especially because most of the time you won't have an income. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make sure that you have an open mind going into the program. You may live and interact with people that you may not have chosen at home to be your friends, but go with it. Go with the flow and be happy that you have the experience of a lifetime in your fingertips. |
