Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fulfilling Lifelong Dreams and Realizing False American Stereotypes December 22, 2025

By (Anthropology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/15/2025 with

University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about how to be self-sufficient, confident, friendly, open-minded, culturally relevant, and engaging. It definitely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took six courses that all challenged me and gave me a new academic perspective.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Both my program and my university's administration were effective and communicate thoroughly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was good overall. There were only a few issues with laundry and kitchen supplies.

* Food:

Students were each in charge of making and buying their own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Joining campus societies and attending events really helped me meet locals and learn about Irish culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My health care was completely covered and accessible on campus.

* Safety:

We have campus security and the Guarda always available. Safety emails were also quickly sent and followed up with.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved to city, which was small enough to not feel overwhelming. The trails on campus were great and there was archeological sites and monuments all around. My classes and professors were engaging and fulfilling.

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)

My tuition was mostly covered my scholarships, but everything else was out of my pocket. Costing about 4,000 dollars.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40 on groceries, 25 on other food, 50 on fun, and 20 on travel, I believe
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to take advantage of budgeting websites. They are a life saver for tracking spending.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 locals
  • The Engaging Cultural Events
  • My new friends
* What could be improved?
  • Immigration
  • Integrating the abroad and local students in housing
  • Cost free events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I did not need to feel that nervous before leaving.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Irish Identity: Celts, Christians, and Vikings
Course Department: Archeology
Instructor: Michelle Comber
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was challenging and engaging, with effective lectures and informative field trips. I attended every class and was assessed by attending the field class, completing discussion boards, and having an in class exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not had to transfer any yet.