Live Your Own Version of "GoT" & Experience History + Scenery the Norn Iron Way! Past Review
By Katie L (East Asian Studies & Creative Writing, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2015 to 06/13/2015 with
IFSA: Belfast - Queen's University Belfast
The main reason I wanted to go to NI was to learn about it's history and what happened between the UK and Ireland. I also wanted to discover more about myself as a writer, and surprisingly figured out what I want to do after I graduate. Yes, some things pissed me off and money was hard to manage, but I am so grateful that I was able to study abroad again. A lot of people from home were surprised when I told them that I wasn't going back to China, but like I said then and still say now, I wanted to take the opportunity to explore my creative writing side of college in an abroad setting. And in all honesty, it was totally worth it :)
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned quite a lot from my Irish history course, but I was disappointed with my English courses. The Irish lit module was not very good (although one of the lecturers/my tutorial leader was super nice), and the creative writing seminar was nowhere near challenging. All my courses were at 2nd level, and I would recommend 1st or 2nd level modules, not 3rd level (a person in my program was going to take a 3rd level course, but switched out due to the amount of work it required). You don't have a lot of assignments, but the downside is that they determine most of your grade. Overall, if you're a history major, you will fair VERY well in this academic system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Terrific and fun! They took us to great restaurants and on awesome weekend trips. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While Elms seems nice at first, you will be with first years, and as a junior...not fun. The kitchen was always a mess and people like to scream outside at 3 in the morning. Thankfully you have your own bathroom, but the shower is crappy, and your room will honestly be smaller then where you lived freshman year. I genuinely believe that I would have enjoyed studying abroad in Belfast more if I had better housing, but it was doable for the 4.5 months. Also, you're 15/20 minutes away from campus, so enjoy the walk. And while my hallmates were not very welcoming, some friends of mine who were study abroad students had the good fortune of getting awesome hallmates. |
| * Food: |
You cook your own food while at Queen's, but if you can afford to eat out, there a lot of great places to munch at in Belfast. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you're coming from an American cultural background, NI isn't really that different. Your classmates will be quite friendly and awesome to talk to, so take advantage of that. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Felt completely safe at night, even at 3 in the morning. |
| 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) |
Your wallet tends to feel light when you're in the UK, so budgeting is super important. If you have as much money as you need, no worries, but if you're like me and going through tough financial times, your purse strings are going to be tight. Poundland and Tesco will be your best friends, and while Maggie Mays will be calling your name, you need to be disciplined. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | at least 50 pounds each week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep a weekly budget, and have a budget before you get here. I unfortunately couldn't have one due to my family's financial situation, but at the end of the day, things work out, and living off of pasta and sandwiches really isn't bad. |
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? |
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 wish I knew how different and "tough" the academic system was going to be. I also wish I understood how expensive things were going to turn out, but it can't be a true study abroad experience if you aren't going to face at least one challenge. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
