Ireland: The Country, the Myth, the Legend. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Much of the workload is independent, don't let it sneak up on you.

On-site administration of your program

Great program because it balances support (staff, orientation, fellow american students, organized events, found housing, etc.) with independence (in local school with local students, plenty of time to do your own thing and travel independently).

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I know there were some problems with housing situations for other people. Silverware, utensils, etc. are provided but limited and in varying condition. Average for school housing. Arranged through Arcadia. Flat style living with common living room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and 5 individual bedrooms (1 suite style with its own bathroom not included in bathroom count). Bought sheets and a few other misc items. Self-catering. Neighborhood extremely safe, apart from inebriated individuals. On the home stay weekend we were treated like guests and I had an unfortunate experience (single mother/unruly child, family had just been sick, snowed, little food in the house, all parties introverted and shy, etc.) but most of the people who went had a great experience and I believe the homestay weekend is one of the strengths of the program. Just specify ages for the children you're willing to deal with.

Pasta is your friend. Also I recommend trying black and white pudding and haggis if you get over to Scotland. Easy Break is also a great product (porridge). Just make sure to keep up the variety and save eating out for special occasions. Dunnes and Tesco are great for grocery shopping and Centra and other corner shops are great for one or two items and are open late.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Travel around Ireland, I recommend Killarney (Killarney National Park and Killarney House) and Connemara as must see places. If the gaelic department still offers it go on the Heritage Ring of Kerry Trip. The Belfast Weekend through Arcadia is also a must do. There is also a great group called the Cork Singers Club which is based out of the upstairs of An Spailpin Fanach and meets on Sunday evenings at 9. If you sing acapella, tell stories, write and read stories/poems/etc. this is a beautiful group, even if the average age when I was in the room was 40.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Ireland's version of "dangerous" and the American version are two separate things. Mace is considered a firearm (so ladies leave it at home) and the Garda are unarmed except for a special armed unit and detectives. The Garda also recommends not carrying knives (pocket/utility/leather-man) around with you because if you don't have one on you it can't be taken from you and used on you or someone else. Limerick has a reputation for being dangerous but if you visit during the day and are smart about safety you should have a problem. The same goes for Dublin. Beware of anyone who tells you to "Live for Today", it's good advice but generally they want something. The biggest dangers in Ireland are inebriated people and yourself. Don't get involved in rounds (groups of people who take turns buying each other drinks and tends to move at the speed of the fastest drinker) and don't overindulge in alcohol. Trust me, you cannot keep up with the Irish. Healthcare was easily accessible but can be slow and requires patience. Take a multi-vitamin, chances are you will be exposed to less sun than you're used to. Regular vaccines should be fine but make sure they're up to date (I had to get Hep-A before I left) The biggest health issue was the cold and flu viruses which all the Irish students have had already and you haven't.

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

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• Apartment
• Host Family
• Hostel

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• Americans
• Local Students

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• They had the right balance between assistance and independence.

• More support upon returning (if I had to come up with something)