Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye Opening December 05, 2022

By (Exercise Science, Sacred Heart University) - abroad from 08/27/2022 to 12/10/2022 with

Sacred Heart University: SHU in Dingle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SHU in Dingle was absolutely worthwhile as it opened my eyes to a new culture and a different environment. I have gained a love for immersing myself into new cultures as I had a couple of opportunities to travel outside of Ireland but also uncover new places in Ireland.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I got sick in the beginning of the semester, I reached out to the student coordinator who helped me step my step to schedule an appointment to refill my prescription as well as get evaluated. No additional vaccines were needed for this program.

* Safety:

The Garda's office is near the accommodations and they drive up and down the streets at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The town itself is beautiful and have lovely locals who love to interact with SHU students. The culture aspects are also lovely to be involved with and the views are absolutely gorgeous. The professors are also really interactive with students and help work around their schedules when enough notice is given.

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? about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your Soldo expenses. Additionally, bring Euros because taking money out of the ATM have a bit high exchange rates

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?
  • Day trips and activities
* What could be improved?
  • More preparation of getting ready to go aboard
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If going abroad, it would be nice to know the materials needed for each class more than a week advance of leaving from professors.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.