Beautiful! Going back! Past Review

By (Economics., Sacred Heart University) - abroad from 12/27/2014 to 01/10/2015 with

Sacred Heart University: SHU in Dingle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
First time in Europe and now I just want to continue traveling the world.

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.

I had three teachers which provided an unique experience with varying points of view. Really interesting class. Everyone involved, teachers, directors, was really helpful and understanding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sean Pol was a great director. Very helpful and wicked nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The ''cottages'' were nice, very modern, more like condos. It was nice, but I was expecting actual cottages with a more rustic feel.

* Food:

We did a lot of our eating out at pubs which has some really good food. The seafood dishes were incredible, with a wide variety of seafood on them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The small town charm was great. Loved the set up of the town. The locals were very nice and loved to chat. Felt very safe and quaint.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues while there, so I don't know.

* Safety:

Felt very safe!

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)

It wasn't too hard. We had lots of group dinners that were included which helped a lot. And having a kitchen in the house saved money too.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 800$ in two weeks while there, souvenirs included.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat most breakfasts at home.

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
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Teachers
  • Class & culture connection
  • landscape
* What could be improved?
  • More chances to travel
  • having class with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the coffee over there isn't good and I should have brought some with me. And alcohol isn't as cheap as I thought it would be.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Native Theology and Irish Spirituality

Course Department: Theology
Instructor: Prof. Higgins
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The paper due on the first day of class was slightly challenging, but the readings for homework while i was there were easy and interesting. Class time was great because we had three guys teaching so we didn't miss a thing. The field trips were really interesting. They connected perfectly to the on class instruction.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, because it was through my school.