Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Time in the Emerald Isle Past Review

By (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/16/2015 to 05/17/2015 with

Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think that primarily I learned how to adapt, as there were many situations that arose that were unfamiliar or out of my comfort zone to me, and it was necessary to be flexible and adaptable in order to deal with these situations.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Few important assignments throughout the course of the year, important to stay focused on work, as it can be a long time in between assignments

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Make sure to set a budget before arrival in the country, as expenses can add quickly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Varied week to week, generally between 50-75 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? At University of Limerick it pays to set a routine of grocery shopping/ cooking for yourself, as otherwise food expenses can add up quickly.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Interactivity with Locals
  • Immersion as an Irish Student
  • Travel around Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Contact with Program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I heard this before I went, but how in the Irish education system, it is very student driven, and need to maintain discipline in staying on top of your studies.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Financial Economics
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Stephen Kinsella
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Somewhat challenging course, however professor was extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the field, and communicated it well to the students.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Issues in the Global Economy
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Marta Zieba
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very informative, however the professor, while clearly had a good knowledge of the material, struggled at times to communicate this information to the class
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Early Modern Ireland
Course Department: History
Instructor: Gavin Wilk, Patrick McMahon
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Well structured course, taking class from late 15th to early 18th century. Course broken down into sections each led by professor intimately acquainted with the period, which helped understanding of material.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Government and Politics in Ireland
Course Department: Politics
Instructor: Maura Adshead
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging course due to complex Irish governmental system. However, the Professor, in combination with an assistant lecturer who was a former mayor of Limerick, were very helpful and knowledgeable in the field.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Irish Traditional Music II
Course Department: Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
Instructor: Catherine Foley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Difficult, but do to the fact that the class required one to take up an instrument for the semester. Otherwise, lecturer was intimately acquainted witht eh musical styles and histories of the various regions of Ireland.
Credit Transfer Issues: