Past Review
By Sheila G (economics/finance/insurance, University of Hartford) for
IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland
It was 100% worthwhile and I wouldn't have changed it for the world. The only thing I would have done differently was stay for the year instead of only one semester. I strongly recomment for everyone to study abroad at least for one semester.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | NUI 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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IFSA-Butler staff in Ireland was wonderful! They were easily accessable and were willing to help at all times. They knew the answers to everyone's questions and made sure that everyone adjusted to being in a new country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location was great because it was in between the college campus and the center of town. |
| * Food: |
NUI Galway doesn't offer a meal plan so all meals are out of your own pocket, which got a little pricy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IFSA Butler brought us to several different meals which were fun because everyone in our program got to see each other. We also went on a weekend trip to Northern Ireland which was great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Butler provided medical insurance for us just in case anything happened. I felt very safe in the program, if anything were to happen. Galway is also known for being a safe city. |
| 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? | I would highly recommend to bring a good amount of money. I probably spent about $300/month, not including any traveling outside of Ireland. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There are no meal plans at the school so I needed more money for food than i had thought. |
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? | A week before I left to go to Galway, I almost backed out. I strongly considered not going because I was very scared to be away for that long. A week after being in Galway, I knew I was going to have the time of my life. I experienced things that I never would have been able to if I had stayed at UHA for the semester. I met people that I never would have met. I wish I had chosen to stay for the year instead and I hope I can go back to Ireland and visit soon. |
