Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Inconceivable! 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 the differences between American and Irish culture, and the importance of breaking the American stereotype. I gained so many memories, as well as knowledge regarding Irish theatre. The trip was extremely worthwhile, and I'm already planning what I'll do the next time I go to 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?

The College Crest Bed and Breakfast was absolutely amazing and definitely more Irish than staying at Trinity College.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A little under $400, but that includes souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you don't mind eating cheap, always stop by a convenience store to grab a sandwich or something else. Also, convert your lump sum of what you want to spend while abroad to whatever the other currency is so you don't drive yourself crazy with the exchange rate the entire time.

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

  • 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?
  • I loved the freedom and the ability we had to explore and really learn the city that we were staying in.
  • The day trips were wonderful, it was so nice to see the countryside and other historical monuments that were outside the city.
  • The ability to experience something that is not in our own country; the culture, the food, the way of living, as well as meeting people from other countries.
* What could be improved?
  • Have more afternoons off to go to Museums.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had actually looked into things that were going on while we were over there so I could have spent my evenings more wisely. I also wish that I had a clearer idea of all of the different stereotypes foreigners have of Americans.