Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A good time in Ireland Past Review

By (HISTORY., Sacred Heart University) - abroad from 05/17/2014 to 05/31/2014 with

Sacred Heart University: SHU in Dingle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was worthwhile because I learned to navigate my way around unfamiliar places. I also learned more about my own heritage.

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.

I enjoyed my class, but there is only so much you can accomplish with a two week class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The residences were beautiful, but I didn't like that we all couldn't be in one place.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get bad enough to have to see a doctor like others did, but I did have to skip some group events because of whatever food poisoning that was going around the group.

* Safety:

The only time I felt unsafe was when my roommates invited local people back to our house and couldn't get them to leave.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably about 30-45 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You might want to buy all your souvenirs the first day or days you're abroad, but wait until you've checked all the shops to find the cheapest item.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Class
  • Scenery
  • How easy it was to walk around Dingle
* What could be improved?
  • A few more days added so we could do everything we were scheduled to (and then subsequently cancelled)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was told to walk longer distances while still at home before leaving so I would be used to the distances in Dingle.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!