Ireland Showed Me What Was Really Important Past Review
By Melanie B (Journalism., Ithaca College) for
Ireland Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I really did get to see what was important to me and take a break from my own reality. I definitely plan on coming back to Ireland I would like to travel abroad again for an extended period of time.
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. |
That was probably one of the best semesters I had academic wise. The professors were some of the smartest, most interesting professors I've ever had in college. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very nice, but they were sometimes really emotional. You could tell who had favorites and who was their favorite students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our house was very cute and perfect for the environment, but there were some problems with trash, the Internet and some of the amenities. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good except that I was running out of money so I wasn't able to eat as well by the end of my semester. I really wish we could have had a meal plan of some sort. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took a field trip to Northern Ireland, which was one of the most amazing trips I have ever been on in my life both academically and personally. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The people in my program were really great about access to health services and safety precautions. I never felt unsafe or alone at any point. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent a lot of money, probably at least 150 per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much money as you can because you will be spending a lot and be sure to write out a budget for yourself while you are there. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be outgoing, be willing to try new things. Really immerse yourself and make the most of it. Also, bring more money than you think you need! |
