Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good craic in Londonderry Past Review

By (Music, Susquehanna University) - abroad from 09/04/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

IFSA: Northern Ireland - Ulster University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a much broader view of the world, and learned how to be a global citizen. It was absolutely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics at University of Ulster were not extremely challenging. However, I think that the difficulty of the academics depends largely on which courses you take. I took an Irish history course, and Irish language course, and an Irish music course. None of which were very challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great! Had my own room and bathroom, while sharing a kitchen with 5 over international students.

* Food:

Food depends on how you want to spend your money. I used the kitchen facility in my housing most often, but there are some great restaurants in Londonderry!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed the music scene of Northern Ireland and made some great friends in local pubs and cafes. However, I spent most of my time with other international students that I had met at the university, which was just as valuable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While abroad I got sick with tonsillitis/strep throat. Just by showing my student ID and passport I got immediate health care. The antibiotic did not cost me anything!

* 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)

Any extra expense is largely due to the exchange rate between USD and GBP

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 or less per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Careful about how much you spend in restaurants and bars.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I really enjoyed the extra trips that IFSA provided throughout the semester.
  • The people I met!!!
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice to be better aware of how classes are chosen and what courses would be best to take.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the academic system of Ulster University.

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.