Best decision I've ever made was to study in Galway, Ireland!! Past Review

By A student (National University of Ireland, Galway) - abroad from 06/30/2016 to 07/22/2016 with

University of Galway: International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My experience stirred up my curiosity to visit other places in the world so I can experience other cultures. Before going to Ireland, there were just a handful of places I had interest in visiting besides areas in the U.S. Now, I am looking into traveling to multiple countries to continue my love of learning different cultures.

Review Photos

National University of Ireland, Galway/ NUI Galway: International Summer School Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	A mixture of self-reflection, group projects, and essay writing.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	It was very well organized by the program's leaders.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing was fine, but the wifi was horribly inconsistent.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	This was my favorite part with participating in this program.
* 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 Absolutely, I would participate again in the Education in Ireland program. The combination of lectures, field trips, attending cultural events, and the other adventures I personally planned has given me amazing memories I will cherish.

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)	I planned on spending $800-$1,000 for food and other expenses. I wanted to experience the culture, so I ate in restaurants and pubs often.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$300/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Walk when you can when the weather is decent so when it rains you don't feel bad about paying for a taxi!

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	We had two lectures on learning the gaelic language.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Travel to the rural areas of Ireland where Gaelic is spoken.

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
* 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?	Field trips to learn about Irish culture and history Visits to Irish schools and talking with educators in Galway. Meeting and getting to know my fellow students and the people that worked the Education in Ireland program
* What could be improved?	Advise the amount of physical activity that takes place in some of the field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Pack light and make sure you have good quality, waterproof shoes and a waterproof jacket.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Education in Ireland
Course Department:	Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: