Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Semester in a Beautiful Country Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/17/2016 to 05/18/2016 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Limerick - Semester in Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to venture out of my comfort zone and function as an independent person while also adjusting to cultural and geographical differences. Choosing to go abroad was the best choice I ever made.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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

I really enjoyed my time at UL and am glad I chose to go through CIS Abroad. The excursions offered by the program were fun and gave me a chance to visit parts of Ireland I wouldn't have been able to see otherwise.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 50 to 100 Euro a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't forget about exchange rates and international ATM fees. Also always over budget when planning trips around Europe. Unexpected expenses are going to happen.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The people I met
  • The places I visited
  • Learning about another culture
* What could be improved?
  • It can be hard to make local friends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive and complicated planning trips can be.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'