I became more independent in Galway Past Review
By Meghan K (Physical Therapy/Therapist., University of Hartford) for
Arcadia: Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway
Choosing to go abroad was the best decision i ever made.The 5 months I spent in Galway, Ireland are the happiest 5 months of my life to date. I became more independent - I had to learn to cook for myself, I had to be more on top of myself about schoolwork, I had to get myself around the city, as well as around the other cities I visited. I became more cultured - I got to see so many amazing sites (Paris, Rome, Florence, Madrid) because it was so much easier to get to those places from Ireland than from the US. I lived among a different culture, and became a part of it. I made some of the best friends of my life, from all around the world, and I am so grateful to them for contributing to my time abroad and to who I am today.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Even though the method of teaching was different than UH and made it so that you had to be self-motivated to be succesful in class, the lecturers did an excellent job of keeping lectures interesting so that I actually wanted to attend. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very friendly and eager to help. Hayden was especially helpful when a few of my friends and I got lost on our first night in Galway. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Perfectly located between town and campus, perfectly located for interactions with other students, perfect being mixed with Irish students. |
| * Food: |
Took a little bit of getting used to, but then was hard to come home and taste regular ketchup and butter! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Perfect size city with lots of places to go out and interact, and the living situation made it easier to meet local students. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
We were always alerted by emails if there was any kind of sickness going around, and were given tips on how to be safe and healthy. Never felt unsafe while I was there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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? | Probably over 500 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just be smart - dont go buying little trinkets and souveneirs right when you get there, and try not to eat out too often. Buy groceries and eat at home. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everybody spoke English, so it wasnt a problem. I would say that I can more easily understand the Irish accent. |
Other Program Information
|
* 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? | Dont even think twice, just do it, you will not regret it. Go with an open mind - make an effort to connect with the people you are living with, as it will truly affect your time over there. Be smart with your money, dont spend it all on eating out and buying souveneirs. Take every opportunity that is given to you - put yourself out there and get involved with things. The more active you are with your time, the more you will get out of it. |
