Ireland's Craic Past Review
By Erin S (Biology/Psychology, Drake University) for
IFSA: Limerick - University of Limerick
YES! I got to see so many things and meet so many people that I never would have otherwise. I learned to slow down and enjoy things more. I learned a lot about myself and others and have a better appreciation for other cultures. I am considering going to a graduate program abroad after graduation, either in Ireland or the UK.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Your entire grade was based on the final exam, with maybe one small paper at midterms. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
they were always there if we had questions, and would stop by at least once a month to buy us lunch and talk about how things were going. They also had some trips that they led and was included in the cost that were lots of fun. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
we had to get all of our own food and cook for ourselves. The apartments we were in only had one small fridge for all six people that lived there so you had to go shopping often. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Lots of trips that were available other than the two they included in the cost. One of the trips we went to an adventure camp and got to do lots of things that I never otherwise would have been able to do such as cliff jumping, zip-lining, gorge walking. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My program included health insurance for us, and there was a free nurse on campus that would direct us to a doctor if needed and could tell us what drugs to get at the pharmacy if needed. |
| 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? | The local buses are more expensive than in the states so be aware of that. Also, in Ireland and the UK you do not tip people because that is already included. try to set a weekly budget for yourself and stick to it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try things that you never would otherwise and just enjoy it because it goes by so quick. |
