Ireland: All you could expect, and everything more. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload- It is much less than American students are used to, until Final Exams time. There is no continuous assessment for most classes. There is also no attendance taken for most classes. There will be one large paper, that is 100 percent (or almost) of your grade that is due within the last week or exams week. Grading System- The grading system is completely different. In Ireland, the grades are different. Below a 40 is failing and again one will rarely get above a 70. Grades are in A, B1, B2 format. Teaching System- In Ireland there is a lecture, then many small tutorials for each class. International students can pick the ones that they attend. The Irish students have no choice in the classes they take each term. Once they pick their major, all of the classes are decided for their 4 years. There are many classes for International students (Irish language, folklore, Irish Music and Dance) Educational System- The Irish are usually abroad for most majors in their 3rd year, so there are less classes for 3rd years, but you can take any year.

On-site administration of your program

The International Office there was amazing! There were 6+ women who worked there and ALWAYS could help you. I had to fax many things home and each time I just had to walk in and was done in 5minutes. I also received many emails from them about what was happening around campus and in the international community at UL.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

UL in Limerick- I lived in Dromroe Village. There are flats with 6 singles, ensuite (with their own bathroom each) The den and kitchen are huge and contain anything you would need. The fridge and freezer are small, but it works. Sheets and cookware are provided, and you do not need to buy them. There is a bus station on campus that goes into Limerick City. The JJ Kavanaugh bus also comes there, which goes to Shannon and Dublin airports. It is very handy.

In Ireland, there are many places to eat on campus. Stables has food for most of the day, and it is a good place for pints at night. Scholars is a great place to meet friends for lunch. It is low key and had cheap and good food, Along with coffee, tea etc. The Eden Cafe in the main building is quite expensive. It is easier to just make food in your flat most days.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I came back a completely different person. I have found out who I really am. I now have friends all over my country, and many others. I need them in my life, and they have helped me become who I am now. When I went to London, I got into a dance company and double majored in Dance and Psychology. These decisions are crucial to my future plans to become a Dance Therapist. I also re-realized how much I love to dance and learn new dance styles. I plan to go back to London for Grad School now and Ireland to see my self proclaimed "family."

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I once had to go to the medical center on campus for strep throat and they gave me a prescription for the pharmacy down the road. It was quick and right on campus. There are also no vaccines required.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• Local Students

• The classes for international students.
• The campus.

• CIS communication.