A Life Changing Experience - Queen's University Belfast Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was the only area I struggled with a bit during my time abroad. Granted, a major part of it was most likely due to the new and exciting environment, but I found it difficult to concentrate on my classes while abroad. I felt disconnected from my classmates because I took 200 level classes and therefore did not have the foundation of material that they had. I feel I was overconfident when choosing classes and did not think about how a lack of foundational knowledge on the subject and the overwhelming stimuli of a new environment would have on my ability to keep up with class work and material. I would recommend that future students be wary of this when choosing courses abroad, so they don't struggle like I did. That being said, the professors I had were more than willing to help me with the course work I was struggling with, which was a big help and stress reliever. Also, I wasn't aware that you could pick courses from different schools. I would recommend talking to the school advisor you are given at the beginning on the term about your educational background, interests and experience in the college classroom, so that they can help choose modules that are appropriate for you as a study abroad student.

On-site administration of your program

The advisor is very friendly and accessible (only a phone call or email away). They're very open to any questions you might have about your host county and its culture. We went on a few coffee and dinner dates with the advisor and the three other students studying abroad at the same host University, which were so much fun. The amount I bonded with the other three students was beyond my expectations. We grew very close and still keep in contact daily over facebook and texting. Our advisor was always at the ready for new hot spots to try in the city of Belfast, when we wanted some where to go.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in the International dorms (Grant House!!!). I met a lot of great people from all over the world. Everyone was very open and tolerant to the different cultures and people and we became a very tight knit group. There were always people to hang out with in the common room: playing guitar, music, cooking, talking or watching T.V. I had a blast and made so many friends. I already have International friends coming to visit me in the States! The only downside were the bathrooms, which smelled really bad, as well as the communal coed showers. But after a few weeks, you get use to it.

There isn't really any sort of meal plan at Queen's. But there are a few cafe's close to campus I would highly recommend, like Cafe Renoir (Get the Obama sandwich! It's sooooo good!). And Clement's...man I miss Clement's. I went there almost everyday with friends for coffee. Try their fifteen bars!!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got everything I wanted out of this study abroad experience and more. I loved living in Belfast so much that I extended my trip an extra week (I would have stayed even longer if I didn't have summer school). I always had a group of friends to go out with and had a blast each time. I had so much fun dancing in the clubs, shopping around the city and drinking a the local pubs. Interstudy also held a few excursions, so I got to see the south of Ireland as well. Ireland and Northern Ireland are such beautiful, scenic countries. I loved the hike we took and horseback riding I did with all the Interstudy programs in Killarney. It was a great experience and I took hundreds and hundreds of pictures to prove it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

At Queen's orientation, you get the run down about how to stay safe in Belfast and what areas they'd recommend you don't go to alone at night. As long as you listen to them, your perfectly safe. Honestly, there was never a point where I felt unsafe or scared walking around in Belfast.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• International Students