Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Maynooth's Irish experience! Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/27/2013 with

Maynooth University: Maynooth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about various cultures and nationalities particularly because Maynooth focuses on bring all of the international students together rather than grouping you with other people from your country. It was a great way to make international connections and a great way to learn more about Ireland and it's history.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They will explain everything in time and they just require patience. They are not into sharing information overly early but will not leave you unsure about what to do or wondering where to go.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There is a cafeteria in the college but students spend most of their meal time cooking in their apartments or houses.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Maynooth is a great little town and all of the locals are really interested in who you are and how they can help you feel more comfortable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any medical issues while i was abroad so i cannot comment on this fully.

* 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)

Ireland is not the cheapest of EU countries but I was able to maintain a budget between 40 and 50 Euros a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40 to 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go food shopping with your flatmates or housemates. This helps because you can buy in bulk which ultimately saves money but also helps you bond with your housemates!

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
  • 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?
  • My Irish Studies/Irish language course
  • Maynooth's Campus
  • The Irish people
* What could be improved?
  • the internet speed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you do not a large amount of summer clothes for Ireland. I would have packed a bit differently had I known this.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'