An amazing, life-changing experience! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself and how the world is viewed differently from other countries perspectives. I gained more knowledge about how the European countries work. This was a great experience and I met wonderful people.

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.

Resources were available and often provided.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes hard to find the correct person to contact.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was affordable and the restaurants are friendly with good food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easily accessible, and the doctors were very helpful.

* Safety:

Galway felt safe and the policemen were often around if needed.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I loved Galway, but I would chose another program so that I could meet new people and live in a different place. Also so I could be emerged into a different culture.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving early if you plan to study abroad! Some countries are a little more expensive, so be prepared for it if you plan to travel.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish II
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Since English is there main language, Irish Gaelic isn't used often but in some parts of Ireland more so than others. So just be aware of the language.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 food
  • The culture/atmosphere
  • The scenery
* What could be improved?
  • Course Availability
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The class sizes- how some classes are way bigger than others. Access to books and learning material.