Past Review
By Nicole K (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Providence College) for
IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned that I am independent and can literally travel the world on my own. I learned that I am able to adapt easily, and that I am a strong person. I loved experiencing another culture and trying to assimilate. I would absolutely do it all over again!! I learned that the world is much bigger than PC, and that it's nice to be away and experience other people. I also realized, however, how much I like PC and home in general.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | NUIG |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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 Program leaders were wonderful. They were readily available at any time of day or night, and provided lots of support and guidance, especially while we were stuck abroad in Italy during the volcano explosion in Iceland. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Menlo Park Apartments: great place to live; lots of Irish students live there (it's possible that IFSA students may live with Irish students). 20 min walk from campus and Galway city <br /><br /> |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I learned a lot about how to travel and interact with people who speak different languages. I became much more independent and self-sufficient. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
In general, Galway was a very safe and friendly city. There are tons of students around. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budgeting is extremely important. Remember money for cab fare home from the city when you don't feel like walking. When traveling abroad, especially if you're flying Ryanair, remember that you will have to pay for trains/buses into the major cities from the airports. Also , don't forget that many of the museums cost money. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Galway is a wonderful place to study because you will have the opportunity to make great American and IRISH friends. The lack of language barrier really makes a difference. It allowed me to become extremely close with people of another nationality. I traveled to many different countries while abroad, but Ireland was by far my favorite. Also, it's not as rainy as everyone says!! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Imagining Modern Ireland |
| Course Department: | Irish Studies |
| Instructor: | Nessa Cronin |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Great way to learn about Irish history, language, literature, music and dance all in one course. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
