Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Time of My Life. Ever. Past Review

By (Irish Studies, University of Saint Thomas - Houston) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

Mary Immaculate College: Limerick - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective on the world. I learned that friendships and relationships are more important and valuable than material possessions, as cliche as that sounds. I made friendships that I will have for the rest of my life, and I saw sights that I will never forget. Studying abroad opened my eyes to so much beyond my "shell" of everyday life, and I will be forever grateful. Anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad should definitely seize the moment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I only have one thing to say: Ger Cahillane is an ANGEL! She was so helpful and kind. I don't think the transition would have been as easy without her patience, guidance, and helpfulness.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the small housing at Clontarf Hall. My roommate was amazing, as were all the people I met in the building. The maintenance man was great at responding really quickly to any issues. Unfortunately, the correspondence with PMI, especially Aideen, was spotty. We were out of wifi for two weeks (at Easter no less!!) in a foreign country. That was very difficult and frustrating.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I integrated well with the local culture. Everyone is so friendly and curious to know about where we are from. I truly felt better experiencing international study with all of the other study abroad students. Mary Immaculate College did a great job of bringing together the international students and making them feel at home, safe, and welcome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I honestly had zero interaction with healthcare during my time here.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe here. I know that they say Limerick is "stab city," but it is a small city. Compared to my city of 4 million at home, it felt like paradise.

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)

I felt pretty poor towards the end.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 40 to 70 euros per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say pre-game! Drinking in those pubs can be expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I studied both Gaelic and French while I was there. They really teach languages in a different way in Ireland as compared to America. I felt like I was actually learning the language, especially with the language labs and tests completely in that language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I completed high school level french and spanish.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You truly have to SPEAK it! And don't be shy.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The friendships with international students
  • Traveling to other places and seeing the gorgeous, heavenly scenery around Ireland
  • Walking.... EVERYWHERE!
* What could be improved?
  • Correspondence with housing
  • How courses are picked and assigned. It was kind of a mad house that day.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? SAVE. MONEY!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.