Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable and worthwhile experience! Past Review

By (Theatre, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/18/2012 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 about a different culture from the perspective of artists, locals, and lecturers and gained a deeper respect for it. It was a worthwhile experience and I can't wait to return to the country for a longer visit or to work in a theatre there.

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

Well planned and executed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Clean, spacious, safe, and within walking distance of all activities.

* Food:

Good variety and price options. Guide books and cafe specials are helpful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We met several locals and a large mix of tourists/other foreigners. Our accents made us stick out at times, but I feel that we integrated well.

* 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)

You can spend a minimal amount of food and treat yourself every once in a while and be content.

* 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? $50, excluding specific souvenirs
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take bread and/or fruit at breakfast to snack on during the day, find the lunch specials, buy snacks or sandwiches at convenience stores.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The tours of different theatres and historical places.
  • Interaction with locals.
  • Visiting the countryside.
* What could be improved?
  • Add one more free afternoon to explore the city.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it was going to be colder this year than two years ago so that I could have packed warmer clothes. (Yes I checked the weather, but I trusted past photos.)