So Much Stuff, Enough Enough Time Past Review
By A student (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/14/2019 with
St. Patrick's, Carlow College: Carlow - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned to be more confident and independent and how to navigate in a variety of new places where I am not previously familiar with.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was more difficult than I thought it would be to adjust to the difference in education styles. However, I loved the rigour of them and the challenge they posed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were all very helpful and readily available to help when and if it was needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I had to provide my own food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met many people who became good friends and helped further introduce me to both Carlow and Ireland as a whole. The Irish Experience class as well as the field trips also greatly helped as they helped introduce me to more parts of Ireland and its history. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Was not needed. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Carlow. Obviously, there is a need to be aware of your surroundings just like back in the States but the overall atmosphere of the town felt very positive and safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I decided to extend my trip for the year. |
Finances
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* 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 can be more expensive to go do things but it also depends on how someone chooses to spend their time and what they do outside of classes and the set field trips. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out your weekly budget. Always go buy groceries first then evaluate what you have left for the rest of the week and use that as "fun" money. Whether this is going to the pub, to the cinema, or a day trip to Dublin or Kilkenny. That way nothing comes as a surprise and you don't end up spending a crazy amount of money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Not everything is going to go to plan. But roll with it and adapt. Sometimes the things that go wrong, end up being some of the best experiences you have. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
