Northern Ireland: AMAZING! Past Review
By Tescia V (Legal Studies, Hamline University) for
ISEP Exchange: Northern Ireland - Exchange Program at Ulster University
Yes! My only regret is that I didn't go for an entire year. I've become a global citizen, become more independent and confident and I see the world through different eyes. I feel like I can go anywhere alone and do anything. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I think everyone should participate in. I made lifelong friends both American and International that understand my journey. It was amazing!!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Winning the Peace, Irish Folklore, Women's Irish Literature |
| 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. |
The educational system was completely different then here in the States. It was based more on singular projects. For example, in one class I wrote a 33 page paper and did one presentation and that was it. I enjoyed this because I spent one weekend writing the paper and then I was mostly done with the class. I was then able to take long weekends and travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had an orientation that set us up well for the semester. I felt like they were open and caring and able to answer my questions. The housing department was amazing! They were the ones that I went to if I had any questions. The ladies in there were really nice and understanding. One thing that other universities did that they should look into doing is providing transportation from the airport. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat with five other students. They were all Irish. It was great to be able to talk with them about their country. They were also really open to talking about their culture and things you should or shouldn't say. |
| * Food: |
I bought all my food at the grocery store so I cooked it myself. The grocery store was similar to one a person would fine in the US. The only thing they didn't have that I missed was Miracle Whip. My mother had to send me some. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There wasn't anything arranged by my program but I made friends who wanted to travel. We traveled a lot on our own. I met my friends on my own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
N. Ireland has the 3rd lowest crime rate in Europe. I felt 100% safe while on campus as well as in the local towns. I went to the doctor because I had a cough that didn't go away. I actually had developed allergies due to the moister climate. He didn't even charge me. But the receptionist wanted to charge me and she was going to make me pay for the visit with cash even though I had international insurance. She said that since I had insurance at home I would have to submit the receipt and get my money back from them. The program didn't assist me with anything concerning medical care. I didn't need any vaccinations to go to N. Ireland. |
| 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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | GO! It was one of the best experiences of my life! Keep in contact before you leave with your advisor at the Irish university. Look at Google images of the place you're going to keep you excited! |
