Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Actuarial Science., Drake University) - abroad from 01/01/2012 to 04/19/2012 with

IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Irish culture and learned how other countries see the United States. It was totally worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I like the types of courses offered but they were not that rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Menlo Park Apartments. I did not like living there. I thought the facilities were dirty and did not work the greatest.

* Food:

I made my own food. The grocery stores had pretty much the same as American grocery stores.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt immersed but I also depended upon how much you immersed yourself. The opportunity was there but you had to take it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt safe all of the time.

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)

Ireland was expensive but I was able to afford it.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing