An Amazing Study Abroad Experience in Ireland Past Review
By Elizabeth B (Physical Therapy/Therapist., University of Hartford) for
Arcadia: Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway
I absolutely loved studying abroad. The 5 months that I spent in Ireland were the best 5 months of my entire life. I will never forget them. I have so many stories that I still love to talk about and pictures that I love to look at. Everyday I think about how lucky I am to have experienced this. I grew up during study abroad. I did not depend on my mom as much which helped me become more independent. I know that I will be going back to Ireland and I know that I will keep in touch with everyone that I became good friends with.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | National University of Ireland, Galway |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I wrote a LOT of essays! Lets just say... be prepared for multiple 3000 word essays (10 pages)! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone in the administration was VERY friendly, caring and helpful! They got to know each persons name and frequently sent emails. There was an outbreak of the mumps and they sent emails about what to look for, etc. They planned two trips, too. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing complex that I lived in was about a 10-15 min walk from campus and a 10min walk from town. It was the perfect distance from everything. Also, there was a grocery store across the road which was VERY helpful. |
| * Food: |
At first, I hated the food. There was nothing I liked to eat becuase of the minor changes in the taste of things. However I started to find things that I enjoy and then began to branch out. I found the food to be very "normal". Also, all of our meals were made at home since we had a full kitchen and eating out became VERY pricey! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
A few cases of mumps and a case of meningitis came up during the semester. The program sent emails letting us know about the sicknesses. The emails were very informative and helpful. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent a LOT of money. Food was not included in "Room and Board", so I spent a lot of money on groceries. Traveling and buying souvenirs added up as well. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | GO. Galway is amazing. Ireland is amazing. The people are amazing. The classes may seem scary and difficult, but it really is not bad. Make sure you have a lot of money and are willing to spend it! |
