National University Ireland Past Review
By Jessica B (Women's Studies/English, Providence College) for
IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I gained so many different friends, that I would have never met if I never studied abroad. I gained self confidence in regards to meeting new people and traveling and a new self of independence. It was a great experience.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
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 programs administration was very helpful and wanted their students to feel comfortable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an appt complex called Menlo Part Appartments. They were nice, but somewhat far away from town/school ( 30 minute walk) Two rooms of two people, one single. 3 Bathrooms, living room and a kitchen. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
The food was a bit different, and our program did not give us any meals. It was interesting to cook and feed ourselves. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Social life was extremely amazing in Galway. The Pubs were so much fun to go to, and it was a great atmosphere to let loose and have a good time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was sick a lot through my abroad experience. The doctors at NUI Galway were very helpful and I always felt safe. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | A lot of the time you think that once you have paid for your airfare/hostel to go on a vacation, that is all you have to pay for. You have to remember to save money for cultural activities, food, and going out! |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | If I were to choose anywhere in the world to Study Abroad, Galway Ireland would be my choice. The people are friendly, the social life is great, and the country is beautiful! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
European Women's Studies |
| Course Department: | WMS 300 |
| Instructor: | Mary Clancy |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | It was a great course that went through European Women's Studies Issues. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Seminar: Moden Irish Literature |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Dr. Brown |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a great class. We read works by James Joyce, John McGahern and many other influential Irish writers of our time. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Development Of The Castle In Medieval Europe |
| Course Department: | 0809-AR332 |
| Instructor: | O'Connor |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Quick Easy and Interesting. Definitely a good choice for Fine Arts. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Studies in Modern Irish Literature |
| Course Department: | 0809-EN388 |
| Instructor: | Patrick Lonergan |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Good books to read, two essays. Simple and Easy if you read. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
History of Ireland |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was the most boring class I have ever had to take in my life. I would steer away. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
