The Perfect Artists Experience Past Review
By Sonny L (Fine Arts, Studio Arts, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 04/25/2015 with
IFSA: Ballyvaughn - Ireland Study Abroad Program at the Burren College of Art
I learned a lot about myself, I grew as an artist, I had a number of amazing travel experiences. A hundred percent worth it.
Review Photos
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. |
Amazing environment, academically challenging, but limited resources |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Friendly, supportive, good at their jobs. Nice to know that I had allies in the country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very nice newly renovated housing. Strong community amongst residents. Manager is responsive and there for you whatever you need. |
| * Food: |
So. Many. Freaking. Potatoes. Meal plan only covers 4 meals/wk. Groceries are purchased at a convenience store are pricey and major shopping trips are far apart. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living in a small town means that locals are close and easy to get to know if you put yourself out there. but there is some hesitance on their part to create strong ties with students, who leave and rarely return. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Program supplies full coverage. Med clinic down the street is good. Over the counter medications are kind of hard to get a hold of. |
| * Safety: |
Very small town is very safe. But you do a lot of late night walking. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It is possible to stay on budget. Arts supplies can send you over very very quickly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $3000 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop when you get in town. Buy arts supplies when you get to Berlin. Do not blow money on Guinness and Jameson. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 0 |
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? | I should have brought more supplies. |
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. |
