Great way to experience and learn more about Ireland! Past Review

By Thomas Lenihan (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?

I gained a new appreciation for Ireland and for what I have at my school in the U.S. Ireland has a pretty solid education system that is challenging and demanding. We could use some of it in the American education system. The experience was definitely worthwhile and one that I will continue to think about and cherish for many years to come.

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	Staff were responsive, helpful and available.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The dorms were nice, comfortable and not too far from campus.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Galway is a very safe city.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes This 3 week program for teachers introduced us to the education system, history and culture of Ireland. It included lectures, field trips and visits to Galway schools. It was interesting, engaging and informative with time to reflect, do research and get to know other American educators.

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 could buy food at nearby supermarket and cook in the dorms. I usually ate meals out. The university had a cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Budget about $300-400/week for meals, drinks, gym, transportation, stuff to do (museums, souvenirs, etc.)

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 has two workshops introducing us to the Irish (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?	Try using it with the locals.

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	Dorm
* 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 school visits lectures on Irish history
* What could be improved?	change some lecture topics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Nothing really they provided a detailed handbook and information through e-mail about the housing options, schedule, what to bring, etc.

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Education in Ireland
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Course was interesting with some great lectures and field trips. Some lectures were a bit long and hard to follow.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I had to pay an international education agency to evaluate and confirm the credits based on U.S. education system.