Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! 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?
I gained so much independence while being able to see a beautiful country. I learned about Ireland, but it is also interesting to see how the locals view the United States and it provided a new perspective of my own culture.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Ireland Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Both the service-learning course and the medieval history course that were offered were very interesting. Since I was actually in Ireland learning about both subjects were hands on and it created a learning experience I will never forget. The courses were not too intense and allowed for students to also enjoy the culture of Ireland.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was so helpful and so happy to have us there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program is unique because you are able to meet with community partners in Ireland and get a genuine impression of the culture. While you get to visit some tourist sights like the Cliffs of Moher, you also get to integrate with the culture and engage with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt so safe in Limerick and all the locals were so welcoming and helpful.

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

Everyday we did something new and got to see different aspects of Ireland. Since this program focuses on service-learning you get to meet with locals and get a different perspective. At the same time we got to sight see and learn about the culture of 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You could save money on food by shopping at the grocery store and sharing things with other students.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You are just able to learn basic phrases in Irish, but it is still very interesting.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Some of the locals do not even speak Irish, so it is not a major component of the program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Being able to meet with local community partners
  • The sight seeing.
  • Making new friends.
* What could be improved?
  • Having more free time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the weather and how to dress before I went on the program. Defiantly bring a rain jacket and an umbrella!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.