Galway, Ireland: The Joys and Challanges of Studying Abroad Past Review
By Meaghan O (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) for
Arcadia: Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway
I gained a new understanding about myself and definitely became much more independent. I loved being able to travel and see places across Europe I have always wanted to see. I have learned to take chances and immerse myself in places I am unfamiliar with. I have also become much more appreciative of the United States and the opportunities I have here that I would not necessarily have in other countries.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was much less than at PC because there was no homework, rather there was just a midterm and a final (some of which were papers). The grading system in Ireland was much different as well, because the scale of letter grades was much broader. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Arcadia program was very knowledgeable and were able to prepare me for life in Galway. They provided information on academics, culture, and news and events. They definitely exceeded my expectations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing situation in Galway was definitely the major issue I experienced. I lived with one other American student and three Irish students. However, they did not clean up after themselves and our common areas like the kitchen and living room were utter disasters. There were dirty plates and food throughout these common areas along with broken furniture. Many other American students living in Gort na Coiribe experienced a similar situation. This was an irritating aspect of living abroad because I was not comfortable in my own living space. |
| * Food: |
It is definitely cheaper to buy your food at grocery stores like Dunnes and Tesco, rather than going out to eat every night. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Arcadia sponsored a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland and to the Aran Islands. Outside of sponsored trips, my friends and I traveled to the following countries: England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe while in Galway. The GARDA (the Irish police) was present, but it was rarely needed. I never needed any medical attention, thankfully, but I knew where to go if I needed it. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is definitely more beneficial to buy your food at the grocery store and save restaurants for when you travel. When you arrive abroad you need to spend more money due to the buying of necessities such as sheets, towels, blankets, laundry basket and detergent, etc. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying abroad in Galway, Ireland was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It enabled me to overcome struggles, like the living situation (mentioned above) to ultimately experience some of the most amazing adventures I ever thought possible. Studying abroad in Galway is a great opportunity because the locals speak English and are welcoming into their society. In addition you are given a lot of time to travel around Europe and experience even more cultures and customs. |
