Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Grand Time in the Emerald Isle Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Providence College) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

IFSA: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I studied at the University of Limerick through IFSA-Butler and it was grand! UL is underrated in my opinion; great school, the academics are different but manageable, and the area is safe and close to the city (UL is technically in Castletroy). The IFSA-Butler staff in the U.S. and Ireland are extremely helpful and understanding. No question is unanswerable or too "dumb" to ask. IFSA-Butler also provides two weekend trips with the other IFSA abroad students in Ireland and exceptional support after you come home. Overall, a great and worthwhile program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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 friendly staff
  • The program trips
  • The cost
* What could be improved?
  • Local integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about culture shock and post-culture shock upon returning home.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'