Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Ireland Past Review

By (Sociology., SUNY Purchase) for

SUNY New Paltz: Limerick - Study Abroad at University of Limerick (Summer Irish Studies)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Like I said, Limerick city is not as great for students as Dublin or Galway are but the actually university campus is very fun.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload and grading system was on about the same level as any state school in the US. I didn't find it to be too difficult. Although, the way the courses are structured was very different. In most classes, the final grade relies only on a midterm exam or paper and a final. The classes were also set up differently with lectures and tutorials for each course. The lectures were optional and the tutorials were mandatory for attendance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My only issue with UL was the process for registration for courses for international students. It all was very confusing and you just showed up to classes that you want to be in, hoping that they aren't closed out already. But, I didn't here of anyone getting actually closed out, so it was not as big of an issue as it first seemed. The university actually provides great accommodations for international students. The International Society on campus is a wonderful club to join, they take many inexpensive trips around Ireland throughout the semester. They also throw international parties every Friday at the pub on campus.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The school provides a lot including cookware and a TV in the common room. You get your own bedroom in a house with 5 other students. You can end up living with all other international students and/or Irish students. The housing is all close enough to walk to class.

* Food:

On campus food was good for the amount you pay. Plus you have your own kitchen to cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trips in Ireland with the international society were really fun. Parties at the pub on campus arranged by the club were also always fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Ireland is extremely safe and so was the campus.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The university campus
  • Great student housing, everyone lives in houses with full kitchens and private bedrooms.
  • The country of Ireland is beautiful and fairly easy to travel around
* What could be improved?
  • The class registration process for international studentsq
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program is great for those who do not want to spend the extra money to study in Dublin or Galway. Both are cities that are much more fun. That being said, UL was amazing and I wouldn't go back and change my decision to go there. Ireland is so small that it is easy to travel around and see everything while you are there.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Classical Sociological Theory
Course Department: SO4073
Instructor: Orla Mcdonnell, Lee Monaghan, John McNamara and Esayas Bekele
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Taking this second year course as a third year student made it very easy. Most of the material was already covered in my introduction class. It just went a bit more in depth to some of the theories. The course, paper and exam were clearly outlined so there was no confusion.
Credit Transfer Issues: Probably won't have any issues, not sure yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Irish Folklore
Course Department: GA4105
Instructor: Maire Ni Ghrada
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was great for international students. It had an interesting subject matter and the workload was not too bad. The instructor understood that international students will be missing a few lectures because we tend to travel a lot while over in Europe.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A