Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Transformative! Past Review

By (Fine Art, Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

IFSA: Ballyvaughn - Ireland Study Abroad Program at the Burren College of Art

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worth while. I learned to take worth in my self and my work.

Personal Information

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.

Great tutors! Really pushed me creatively and had a wealth of information to share. Always referring me to other artists, had a weekly visiting artist, usually international, and had great conversations about art, life and process.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Pretty good except when it came to billing. Whoever was in charge of this was not very friendly or accommodating or clear about what had been paid for by IFSA butler and what hadn't. Because of this miscommunication I ended up with a $2000 balance that must be paid in order to graduate. I asked specifically if there was a balance to which I was told "Don't ask me, ask IFSA-Butler." The rest of the admin at the college was great though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The lodge itself was pretty cozy. There was a break in that surprised everyone.

* Food:

The food was amazing and the kitchen staff of the college were the kindest. They made the experience feel like home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It's a small town, but you can't assume you are going to be safe because of this. There was a break in in the lodging that was addressed immediately, but still have to take the same precautions you would take in a big city. Also walking on the roads can be very dangerous so always wear a safety vest, and when walking in the night walk with someone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was what I need. The seclusion and the quietness of the land. The mentors were great and it was a very nurturing environment.

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 30 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? just set a weekly limit, also london is very expensive, double what you'd pay anywhere else, so prepare for that.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 instructors
  • the kitchen staff
  • the land
* What could be improved?
  • the admin that handles billing
  • more clarity in communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to fall in love with someone while you are abroad.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!