Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wouldn't have left if I had the choice Past Review

By (Anthropology, Colorado State University) - abroad from 06/23/2014 to 07/20/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Galway, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about Irish history, culture, and landscape. I would not have been able to achieve the depth of my understanding without being there, seeing the historic and modern places, talking to other travelers, and talking with locals. My study abroad experience in Galway, Ireland was beyond worthwhile. It was life changing! Not only was I able to learn about the host place and its people, I was able to learn more about myself. I realized how I handle stressful situations or people, how independent I can be, what my interests are, and more.

Review Photos

CEA: Galway, Ireland Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors at NUI Galway were beyond expectation. Class sessions were dynamic and took you out of the classroom and in the field. Just the right amount of school work for study abroad. I took Irish Society and Archaeology and was extremely impressed with both.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was planned and operated smoothly. From the minute you land you are connected with your group and directed to your school and where you stay. Two excursions are planned for you and the rest of the time you get to yourself to plan your own trips.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was grand. Gort na Corribe was very nice. I got my own room but had flatmates with people from my program and others. Its not too far of a walk to campus or downtown.

* Food:

Food is at your own leisure. There are great places in town and if you are on a budget go to Dunns or a grocery store and you have a kitchen to make most things in.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you venture outside of your house you are immersed. A short walk to downtown Galway provides you with everything you could ask for.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need healthcare on my stay abroad

* Safety:

Galway is very safe. Take your usual precautions and you will be golden. I had no dangerous instances

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)

The only living costs are food and laundry. Both of which you can achieve at whatever your budget. To save on laundry, share the cost of detergent at the grocery store with a friend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-70 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are tight on money prioritize what is more important to you; those fancy drinks at the pub or the weekend trip to the nearby Cliffs of Moher. You can always get food from the grocery store to save your money and if you do remember to bring your own bag otherwise you can buy one.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Price
  • People
  • Administration
* What could be improved?
  • It would have been nice to see the CEA representative more often
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't worry so much about the things that could go wrong, chances are if you are smart and with the right people everything will be perfectly grand

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.