Challenging but worthwhile Irish language experience. Past Review

By (None) - abroad from 07/15/2016 to 08/12/2016 with

University of Galway: International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Better understanding of why things are the way they are in the language.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We ate amazingly well. . . .

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Area was under a boil-water order, but this was not clearly communicated to all of the students at the very start of the course.

* Safety:

It's a small town but there is still automobile traffic; many students walk everywhere and should be reminded to keep out of the travel lanes of the narrow roads and streets.

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)

Self-financed.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food was provided; spent possible 1-2 hundred euro on non-essential personal items.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Grade 12
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? Listen to it as much as possible online.

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

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Classes
  • Socializing
* What could be improved?
  • Communication of need-to-know information ("Don't drink the water")
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't rent a larger car to drive in Ireland.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!