Ireland was worth it Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable, and still left plenty of time for extra curricular activities. The grading system is a little different many of the exams that were multiple choice that would dock you additional points if you answered incorrectly instead of just getting the regular marks wrong. Its suppose to discourage guessing on questions, but I found it to be kind of annoying and just another added stress to think about during an exam. Most lectures are powerpoint based and sometimes slides are left blank to encourage students to come to class. There is a discussion for every class, and it's smaller groups instead of the entire class. Each class had at least one paper to write for the end term grade, and either a test or two throughout the semester. The one thing I did not like was the class timetable. The scheduling for classes was a mess, and for example, lets say you have class on Monday and Wednesday.. Monday would be at 11 and on Tuesday the class would be at 2. To me that doesn't make sense and makes it more complicated to find corresponding classes that all fit well together in those time slots because everything is always changing. I also found communication between professors through email very difficult. Most times the 'TAs' like we call them in the states that lead the discussion group would not respond to an email all together. However, I did make it through just fine, but some of those differences were frustrating at times.

On-site administration of your program

Oh Coleman, what a lovely guy. He was very helpful throughout my entire experience while in Ireland. He always had his phone on him so I could reach him at any time. I found it convenient even when I had to ask the most pointless question. Coleman and Kelly took us on a weekend excursion to Belfast and planned the whole thing. We were not suppose to make it to the Giants Causeway because of timing, but with a little begging they fit it in, which meant just getting up extra early, but it was nice to see them cater to what we wanted to do as well as what they had planned.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living in Thomond. It is a bit set back from class and other activities though, but it is clean and I got my own room and bathroom. The bed was a double instead of a single which was fantastic! They did provide sheets, but I preferred to buy my own. They also have a fully stocked kitchen, and provide bin bags. I really did enjoy the mix of roommates. However, I have noticed that local students are more willing to make a mess and not clean it up because they think of this as their 'college home' and they go home on the weekends, so they are not really concerned by it. I will say I have had frustrations with the mess but it is still manageable. Also the location to the on-campus bar is walk-able, sometimes just annoying. The bus stop to get to town is about a ten minute walk. Buses stop running at 11pm and from there if you want to go into town for the nightlife you need to take a cab.

Food choices were great and accommodating. Coleman always made sure to ask what we liked or would want to eat. For future students: If you want cheap greasy delivery you can go to JustEat.ie and that has everything although not always the best. Chicken Hut is a dumpy little place in town, and looks sketch but has the best garlic sauce or gravy for chips around! Lots of people like the kebabs they have here, but I don't care for them much. The food is very bland, so if you like spice I would bring some with. The taco seasoning does not taste like tacos back home. The meat is a lot greaser as well. Oh and bread if you buy a big loaf freeze half of it because it will mold in 5 days. Try brown bread. Get seafood chowder at any small cafe that gets fresh fish that day.. It is amazing. Also fish and chips are great too. When it's made with Hake instead of Cod it is even better! And if you ever are missing American food and want something from home they have Subway, but the mayo tastes different. Black pudding gives me the willies but still try it. White pudding is delicious so for sure try that. Oh and try cadbury chocolate of course and these jellies that are called "The Natural" try the unbearables or the sour snakes they are very addicting candies found in a white bag and they are at spar on campus or at any grocery store.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really enjoyed going up to Derry and learning about the history of Ireland, while going on a tour around the small city. I also really liked going to this small fort and having lunch from a beautiful view.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I found that Limerick was a safe city and comparable to at home. I wouldn't walk alone at night in Minneapolis, so I wouldn't do it here. No city is completely safe, but I never felt unsafe while I was there. Local healthcare was frustrating to deal with. I got sick once, and I knew I had strep because I get it every year. However, I couldn't get in to see the doctor until a week later because they did not have any openings to see me. So, I was in pain for a long time because there was too many students who needed to be seen, and there was a wait list for appointments. It's nice that everyone has healthcare, and can see the doctor. I just wish there was more staff to deal the number of students that do need to be seen.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• Local Students

• Personal
• Helpful
• Accommodating

• Our excursions could have been more fun like the ones in the past