I found my new home! Past Review

By (University of New Mexico) - abroad from 07/01/2016 to 07/16/2016 with

Ireland Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip taught me a lot about myself and some of the biases I have. Being aware of these biases is helping me become a more accepting individual. I am also excited to become more involved in Albuquerque as a result of this trip.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Ireland Photo

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.

This experience was unlike anything you can get in a classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Holly was amazing! Everyone at Mary Immaculate made Limerick feel like home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked staying at the hostel. We were able to meet people from around the world at breakfast. The breakfast was bland, but the shop next to the hostel had decent food.

* Food:

The food in Limerick is great! I went to Dolans Pub at least 10 times while in Limerick. Dolans Pub has great food and music.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end of the trip I felt like I was a member of the community. The serice-learning helped me be able to integrate into the community because we were able to see past what tourists see.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA

* Safety:

Crossing the road can be a safety concern if you are not paying attention.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved being able to meet so many amazing people from the US and Ireland.

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)

2 It is possible to stay on a budget if you do not go out to eat often.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries with another student. I ended up with more groceries than I needed.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Mary Immaculate / UNM staff
  • Diversity of Students
  • Service-Learning
* What could be improved?
  • Belfast Trip
  • Introduction Days (community partners)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked to know what type of activities we were going to be participating in. This would have helped me pack better.