Study Abroad in Galway, Living in Corrib Village Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes in Ireland are very different than classes in the United States. The classes are conducted solely by lectures usually. Though this grants the student an immense amount of freedom, which I enjoyed, it can sometimes leave the student with a feeling of indifference towards the professors.

On-site administration of your program

My program director overseas was IMMENSELY helpful. She knew everything going on in the city, Ireland, and Europe. She was there when we had questions about courses, transferring credits, sicknesses, and would even go personally to professors on our behalf. She would help us with our own travel plans as well as plan several interesting and exciting excursions. The program size was also very nice. With only 25 or so participants, you were able to befriend everyone in the program, giving you a nice group of friends within the first week or so. My expectations were definitely met.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

This was the only downside to the program I believe. Five students had to live in an apartment complex away from the other API participants and I was one of those unlucky 5. My room was tiny and drafty. It was a 30 minute walk to the other apartments, which hampered my ability in the beginning to befriend the other participants, though I quickly got used to walking. Corrib Village, my apartment complex, was also a 30 minute walk to the grocery store and downtown. But it was less than a 5 minute walk to school. So even though my apartment was not as nice as the other apartments, I could roll out of bed and be in class in less than 5 minutes.

Food in Ireland is very expensive. There are higher prices in grocery stores and restaurants. I would suggest buying food in Dunnes (grocery stores) and making your own food. And food in general is very similar to the United States, though because they don't use preservatives, it will go bad a lot faster than food in America. Though a few good places I did find to eat is Zatsuma, a crepe store.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program arranged a lot of cultural events and just general get togethers, and I really enjoyed this. Because whether or not I enjoyed the show or something, I liked the entire group getting together and hanging out. It allowed for participants to better befriend each other. The excursions outside of Galway were amazing though. The international excursion to Paris was my favorite. Almost everything was already paid for, only a few meals were not. You stayed in a nice hotel, not a hostel, got a buffet style free breakfast, free tours, free entry into lots of museums and attractions. The Paris excursion was, hands-down, my favorite trip to Europe out of every trip I took.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Galway is an extremely safe city. I walked home by myself at night many times and I was never harassed. Though I would not suggest making 2am walks a routine, if you have to do it, you can. Though I did not have any health problems, I know a few friends that did, and the healthcare was very easy, accessible, and friendly.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)