Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning to value myself and others Past Review

By (Providence College) - abroad from 01/01/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was more than worthwhile. I formed friendships that I plan to maintain for life, was able to travel throughout Europe, and gained a new perspective on life. I was able to immerse myself in another culture and see what I liked about my own culture and what I did not like. I learned that my way is not always the best way and that I need to stop worrying about life and go out and live it.

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.

* 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? Yes

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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
  • International Students
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?
  • I met local people and students from other countries through my classes
  • I met local students in my apartment complex who introduced me to their local friends
  • I was able to have a schedule without classes on Fridays so I could travel on the weekends
* What could be improved?
  • I wish that my housing was a little closer to my school and the town
  • I wish that my advisor in Ireland was a little more accessable
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone going abroad wants to make new friends and it is so easy to meet new people! I didn't have to be so nervous about making friends.