Take Me Back to Northern Ireland Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/30/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Northern Ireland - Exchange Program at Ulster University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience has taught me about myself, about humanity, and about the world I live in. I quickly became aware of my strengths and my weaknesses, and I learned that I am able to change and responsible for changing myself into the person I aspire to be. I became more confident in myself, more daring and more open to trying new things, more accepting of others, more knowledgeable about the world, and so much more. I predict that I will continue to discover ways that my semester abroad has changed me for a long time.

Review Photos

ISEP: Coleraine - University of Ulster, Coleraine Photo ISEP: Coleraine - University of Ulster, Coleraine Photo ISEP: Coleraine - University of Ulster, Coleraine Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Lectures were great- relaxed, very interesting. Independent study was necessary. Exams were easier than at Truman.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Cranagh is the nicest housing on campus, but you'll live with first years. Agherton is a great option if you don't mind walking into campus (about 35 minutes) or taking the bus.

* Food:

N/A (I cooked for myself)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Endless opportunities for integration with the local culture. The people are friendly and very hospitable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the ER for a hurt ankle. I was in and out of Causeway Hospital within 45 minutes!

* Safety:

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)

Watch the exchange rates.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Total immersion in the host culture
* What could be improved?
  • More help and more activities/events for international students when they first arrive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You'll probably feel homesick at some point, and that is normal.