Northern Ireland: Crazy fun, yet emotionally, intellectually challenging. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The HECUA program based in Northern Ireland is an experiential learning program, so most of your time is spent out of the classroom working with locals about issues on a community based level. Instead of being an outsider looking in, you become ingrained in the culture and community. You become a part of the solution to the problems they are faced with. We had the opportunity to meet and talk to various political figures, visit parliment, the Dahj, talk to ex-political combatants, ex-prisoners, talk to people who lost family members in the Troubles. Beyond that we had an internship experience where we worked for an organization for 8 weeks. Becoming a part of a working environment exposes you to the interworkings of the community. I learned more in one semester in Northern Ireland by doing my learning with the people of the country, than I ever have in any classroom setting. I would encourage anyone and everyone to try this new style of learning. Instead of forcing yourself to learn, you just do, and love it.

On-site administration of your program

Everything was set up for us by Nigel, our program director. He got us all set up to access the University of Ulster campus and library systems and everything inbetween. He set up meeting dates for our field trips, he came out and meet us individually for tea or lunch and was overall like family. (without the overbearing part). He was like Uncle Nigel, who actually was a great teacher and though provoker. The program size was perfect for what we were doing. We had about 14 of us in total so we got to know one another and learn together and still get different ideas worked out.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of the students in my program lived with each other, but we were all dispersed throughout the country. Me and 4 others were in Derry, 8 in Belfast, and 2 in Ballycastle. My experience of the dorms was great. We essentially had an apartment with a full kitchen and supplies ready for us, they even had little tea packets for us! Bedding was included and so were cleaning supplies. It was like I never left home. Living on campus we were quite safe with the gates to the dorms closing at midnight every night and guards constantly on duty. I loved my home in Derry. The only downside was that we didn't have internet in our dorm. That was out of our control, b/c apparently the building had gone through renovations and our dorm hadnt been wired yet. But with four days left in our program we finally got internet!

We received a weekly stipend for grocery shopping, so I had 40 pounds a week to spend on food. If you shop smart, you can spend 30 pounds on food, and save the rest for a night at the pub!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met many people and heard many amazing stories while I was abroad. One contact led me to the most wonderful day I had while there. A friend took me and some friends for a coastal tour of the North of Ireland. He should us things that only local people know about. It was the most memorable day I had there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Though I lived in a city still under the control of the RIRA, I felt completely safe. You have to understand the sociology of the place you are staying at. Know what you can say around certain people and watch what does come out of your mouth. As long as you know where you are and who's with you you are safe. The RIRA is a 'community' policing force (terrorist group to some people) that generally gets rid of drug related crime and cracks down on hooligans. I felt safe walking the streets at night and wasnt worried at all.

(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