Best semester of college Past Review
By golembews (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., University of Hartford) for
IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland
My study abroad experience was literally the time of my life. I was exposed to different teaching styles and a different culture. I met some really great people and was able to experience other parts of Europe as well, since its fairly inexpensive to travel around the continent there. Europe is definitely more student-friendly as well; student discounts on almost everything you can think of. I gained a lot of perspective while abroad; I think it's important for American students to go outside the US at least once.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | National University of Ireland, Galway |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Best semester of college. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were always people from my program to answer questions or just available to talk. No major weaknesses |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Perfect |
| * Food: |
We had our own kitchen so we could have anything |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had the best time. I still keep in touch with my Irish friends. I got to travel to other countries. It was great |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Lived in a safe place, never felt threatened |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | My monthly budget varied but I went to Ireland with about 3000 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You need to have a bank account with 1000 euros in it, but we had a lot of trouble getting money wired over, so pre-arrange this before you leave. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did not have to speak a language other than English. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You will learn a lot about yourself in the process. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Beginner's Latin |
| Course Department: | LA120 |
| Instructor: | Bisagni |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was smaller and more closely resembled my home university's course structure. The professor made himself available for extra help and prepared extra materials for our instruction. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | None that I know of. |
