Absolutley Incredible: One of the Best Experiences of My Life Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Providence College) - abroad from 12/28/2012 to 05/18/2013 with
Arcadia: Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway
I really learned more about myself during this experience. I was forced to break out of my comfort zone, which was difficult at first, but has shaped who I am today. Traveling around Europe strengthened my experience further because I had to face pleasant, as well as difficult, situations.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Arcadia staff was extremely helpful and was always available whenever anyone had any concerns or questions. They really helped us transition smoothly into a new culture and way of life. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really enjoyed living with Irish students because you had the opportunity to be completely immersed in their culture. I have made great friendships with the Irish girls that I lived with, which has significantly strengthened my overall abroad experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt really comfortable living in Ireland and I think one of the reasons that it felt like home is that I immersed myself in the culture. When I had to return back to the United States, it felt rather strange since I felt so comfortable in Ireland. The Irish are extremely friendly and welcoming, so that aspect alone provided an easy transition into their way of life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Many Irish people say that Galway is one of the safest cities in Ireland and I couldn't agree more. Everyone is so friendly and I never felt threatened or uncomfortable when I was walking around town. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 really tough trying to balance a budget. Everything is so expensive including food, drinks, and transportation. Also, the expenses of traveling around Europe added up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-150 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How expensive everything would cost and how fast the semester goes. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
