Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ireland is Too Wonderful for Words. 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 gained an incredible appreciation for a beautiful country and culture. It was so worthwhile....and now I want to live there. Dublin, here I come. Seriously.

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.

We really had to work for this trip...there was quite a bit of studying involved. I think that because of that, we were able to appreciate the country we visited more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Had literally zero problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Sometimes uncomfortable but overall accommodating.

* Food:

IRISH FOOD IS WONDERFUL. Can we please get an Abrakebabra in the States??? Also an O'Neill's.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The only time I didn't feel safe was in Galway, when we were semi-chased by an old man who was.......well....not fully clothed. Other than that, it was a very safe place.

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? Probably about $150-$180.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy sandwich stuff at a grocery store, so you won't have to go out to eat for every meal.

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
  • Other
* 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?
  • Dublin!
  • Food
  • Local People
* What could be improved?
  • Go to Cork next time
  • End in Dublin, not Galway (I hated Galway).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly...I can't think of anything. I was very well-prepared for this trip.