A Semester Remembered Forever Past Review
By Lindsay R (Elizabethtown College) - abroad from 08/31/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Limerick - Semester in Limerick
I learned what I'm capable of doing by myself. It was definitely worthwhile. I don't think I would be the person I am today without that experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was able to take literature classes for my major abroad which was an interesting experience. Ironically, I took my American literature class while in Ireland. Learning about my own country's history from an "outsider's" perspective was really entertaining and made the subject more fun. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I became very sick at the end of my semester abroad and ended up in the hospital. My on-site advisor took very good care of me. He made sure I had transportation to and from the hospital and brought me groceries to my apartment as I was very weak and could not do exert myself physically. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had my own room and a giant bathroom! My American and Irish flatmates were so much fun too. |
| * Food: |
It took me a while to get used to the different tastes in meat and ketchup. For example, a cheeseburger tasted very odd. However, there were things I didn't eat a lot of back home that became favorite dishes, like chowder and fish and chips. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Going to the doctor was easy and the people at the hospital took very good care of me. My emergency health card covered all of my medical costs in the emergency room. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Limerick is the perfect size for someone like me. I got out of my comfort zone but was never overwhelmed. Going anywhere in Ireland is like going back in time. Less people are disturbed by materialism, they're more humble and relaxed. I miss that atmosphere the most. I felt so refreshed when I was there. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around $150 or 200 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use RyanAir and don't buy a lot of groceries! You'll never be home to snack. Go out and explore! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Write everything down when you can because you'll never want to finish a journal once you come back. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
