The Ireland Experience Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 06/02/2018 with

Maynooth University: Maynooth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about life in Europe including Ireland and the other countries I visited.

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.

While the material was very different from that offered at my home university (Truman State) I found it far less challenging. However, it was difficult to adjust to the grading style since many classes had a final exam that counted for 50% or more of the final grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accommodation was great and convenient, but I was not expecting to be living in a building with all International Students. This made it difficult to make connections with people who knew the school well.

* Food:

I ate well, but this wasn't part of the program (I went to grocery stores).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Maynooth is a great place to feel the local culture, however because of the living conditions placing all international students (and mostly Americans) together, it was hard at times to find connections.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? What's cheap in America isn't always what's cheap in Ireland so check all the prices to find bargains.

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

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Maynooth is a cute and friendly town.
  • Proximity to Dublin.
  • The general international experience.
* What could be improved?
  • A more active international society.
  • International students not isolated in their own building.
  • Study abroad advisor / someone at Maynooth to ask questions.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is somewhat difficult to get in-the-know at Maynooth. Its important to join societies but most I tried to join would not respond to email so be persistent when you find connections.