Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Galway: Life Changing, Entertaining and A Great Experience! Past Review

By (Management, Manhattan College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I met so many great people and still keep in touch with the girls from the program. I also got the chance to stay with a family in Leitrim and still talk to them quite often. I hope to travel back to Ireland, and it's awesome that I met people there who I can stay with during my travels.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system in Ireland was much easier than at my home institution. The teaching was more of a self-taught basis. No attendance was taken and the grades were mainly one 100% final at the end of the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program director was available 24/7. If we ever had a problem Coleman was just a phone call or text away. He was also a great resource for different ideas. I was in Rome and he gave me ideas about where to get gelato and what areas to concentrate on. The program was great! The size of the program is very small, but it made it more personal. My expectations were met beyond my expectations! I would love to go back for another semester through this program if it was more affordable. One weakness was the cost of the program. I spent more in one semester to go abroad than I would have in two semesters at my home institution.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of Cuirt Na Coiribe was great. We were right across the street from the supermarket and only a short cab ride from downtown Galway City. We did need to buy everything for the apartment including sheets and toiletries.

* Food:

We had to buy and cook our own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to the Cliffs of Mohr, and also went to Dublin to a play.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Galway was really safe. I was never scared at any point while abroad in Ireland.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Program Director Coleman's Personality and Availability to always ask questions or just chat.
  • I loved that we got to meet everyone else in the program who was in Ireland or Britain.
  • The way things were handled, it was really easy to apply and get all the paperwork done.
* What could be improved?
  • Price
  • More of an orientation...possibly a week somewhere else before the actual destination
  • More Excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring more money than you think you will need. Don't stress too much about school while your abroad, and make sure to travel as much as you can. The time goes by so fast and you will be home and wishing you could go back!