Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You're more capable of adapting than you know! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 09/06/2019 to 12/23/2019 with

IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am very capable of taking care of myself, and I shouldn't take so much for granted. I am more confident in my life choices, and feel a large sense of accomplishment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

The heating was spotty, and there was not much room in the fridge to store food.

* 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

I would like to go back with the micromanagement skills I now have, and managed my money better. I would have spent more time with the friends I had rather than pine after potential friends. I would have forced myself to be more active in the learning experience even if it was uncomfortable to do so.

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)

I would have preferred to have the dispersing of stipends broken up into smaller pieces so I could have micromanaged my money better.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-75 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I suggest bypassing the big franchises and look for a cheaper local market to buy from.

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

  • 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?
  • The Cliffs of Moher
  • Studying under Max Hafler
  • The LGBT club i was a part of
* What could be improved?
  • Budgeting Skills
  • Travel planning
  • General health and well being
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that I hate being left out of things, but I shouldn't always let that become my motivation for being proactive in life. If I allow that to happen, I will more than likely let the motivation curdle into anxiety which then prevents me from setting out on achieving goals.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.