Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great location, program could have been better Past Review

By (Religion/Religious Studies., Austin College) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 06/02/2013 with

IFSA: Belfast - Queen's University Belfast

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to experience both sides of an extremely divided community and to, therefore, better my understanding of global issues. Additionally, I was also able to realize the value of the open-minded education I had received in America. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? No

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? Around 100 pounds per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Give yourself a weekly allowance

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Entry orientation
  • Travel weekends
* What could be improved?
  • Integration into the community
  • REAL help with academic registration
  • Actually responding to e-mails
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The administration at Queens's University Belfast is much less interested in assisting students than at my home university.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.