Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Northern Ireland: Emotional, but Brilliant! Past Review

By (Youth Ministry & Human Services, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota) for

HECUA: Northern Ireland - Democracy and Social Change in Northern Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Northern Ireland, but I learned even more about myself. This program challenges you, your ideas, your perspective, but it can also reinforce those at the same time. This program made me see old things in a new way and challenged me to ask the question Why? Before doing this HECUA program I was just drifting through life and not really stopping and asking why? Now I know that it is okay to question things because if we blindly accept everything handed to us, where does that leave us? This experience helped me see that the world is a lot bigger than just the US. I plan to volunteer abroad in the near future.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Ulster
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

HECUA is all about experiential learning, so we were able to do an internship in a community organization. We also took field trips to better understand the issues we were learning about. We talked to people from both sides and heard their perspectives which was challenging but eye opening. The workload was mostly reading and papers. There wasn't any busy work; everything had a purpose. It was an emotionally challenging semester, but completely worth it!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Nigel was our program director, and he was great! He coordinated all of our internship sites, field trips, etc. He went above and beyond so that we all had what we needed. He checked in with us often and even had one on one meetings to make sure we were progressing as we should and to just see how we were doing. Nigel did a good job preparing us for our internships. Our program had 14 students, which was a good number. We could get to know everyone, but it wasn't too small either. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I was blown away by the experience!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt safe the entire time when I was in Northern Ireland. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and the time of day you might be walking home. Obviously if you're out at night stay in a group, don't talk to random people, etc.

* Food:

The food wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. Eating in/cooking your own meals is a good way to go if you are picky or simply want to save money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Giant's Causeway along the North Coast was awesome! Also the field trips planned by our program director were enjoyable! If you get a chance to travel around Ireland hit up the Cliffs of Moher! Glendalough near Dublin was also cool. Newgrange is another must see.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe most of the time. The only times when it was questionable was when we would be walking home after the pubs closed. Be smart, stay in a group, don't talk to random people at 2am, etc. I didn't have any health issues, but others in my group did. I believe the clinics were helpful and easily accessible.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything!
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program requires someone who is flexible, open to new experiences and ready to be challenged! If you're looking for personal growth this is the program for you.