Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Providence College) for

IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the best five months of my life, and I genuinely did not feel ready to leave. The friends I made, places I went, and things I experiences are invaluable.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although the classes were very easy and not as challenging as expected, I did learn a great deal about Irish history and culture. I would not have had the opportunity to do so if I did not go abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I could not have asked for a better experience than with IFSA Butler. The entire staff made themselves available to us, and I always felt comfortable e-mailing or calling them if I had a problem, question, or concern.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Gort na Coirbe. It is a lot like a town house and it was really nice. My only complaint is that internet access was a constant problem while abroad. The apartments were supposed to come equipped with internet access, but days and weeks would go by and it would not work. <br /><br /> It's in a great location, right across from a 24 hour grocery store. Only 20 minutes from school and center of town, and it's entirely students that live in the complex.

* Food:

I made my own food, so I liked it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The best 5 months of my life!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Galway, and IFSA Butler made sure to highlight safety precautions that should be taken no matter where you are.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring extra money for bedding, special cords and plugs for your computer--the first week you'll spend the most money on these.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't take for granted the place you're living in--explore the entire city while you're there. Travel as much as you can.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

The Development of the Medieval Castle
Course Department: AR332
Instructor: Kieran O'Connor
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Moderately interesting, very easy, excellent professor
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Health Psychology
Course Department: PS322
Instructor: Dr. Caroline Heary, Amanda Fitzgerald, Andrea Gibbons, Daniel Regan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My least favorite class, I would not recommend this to anyone. It was not taught well, and I wish I would have taken it at PC. The final exam was not difficult--you picked two topics out of about five they gave you and memorized everything in the book.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Celtic Religion, Mythology, and Folklore
Course Department: SG116
Instructor: Lillis O'Laire and Kiki
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very, very easy class. Both professors were very knowledgeable and made the information even more interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Northern Ireland: The Politics of a Divided Society
Course Department: SP647.1
Instructor: Michael Donelly
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was by far my most favorite class. The professor was amazing and it was taught very well.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Women in Irish Society
Course Department: SP421.ii
Instructor: Marilyn Moylan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very easy. You don't even have to go to the lectures--grades are based only on a midterm paper and a final paper, both of which don't require any material from lecture.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.