Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMAZING Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/17/2012 to 07/03/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - SFA Theatre in Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that there is another side of the world that is just filled with excitement and adventure! I've learned so much about the culture that I am happy to share with all of my family and friends and it was definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This experience was very worth it and I feel that I left Ireland having known more about the country and theatre there than when I started.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing in Dublin and Galway were very nice. The staff at both places were very kind and helpful and the facilities were clean and very "home-like."

* Food:

The food was fantastic! It took me a week to fully get adjusted to digesting the food but it was delicious! Very different, but delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very welcome integrating into the culture there. For the most part, people were very friendly and I never felt out of place there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I was able to survive off of 150 Euro for a week and a half. I did very well with expenses.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week I spent about 150 Euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would definitely recommend having two reliable sources for money like a credit card and cash. Using cash for food would be a smart choice because most food places in Ireland only accepted Euros. You should use a credit card for things such as shopping.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The people
  • The food
  • The culture & language
* What could be improved?
  • The scheduling between free time for cultural events and going on tours and to museums can be worked out better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel that I was well prepared about everything that I learned in Ireland. I'm very happy that I took the course before actually going on the trip.