Céad Míle Fálta Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor was low compared to what I would experience at Middlebury College. In most of my classes the professors had decent grading standards, but the curve was massive. The laid back nature of the Irish culture is definitely represented in their educational system.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was helpful when I had any questions, but they were often unavailable.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great housing situation. I decided to go for an apartment on campus and I definitely don't regret it. The off-campus apartments were only accessible to the University by bus, which would have been more expensive in the end. The apartment was great, it had a very large kitchen and I was able to have my own bedroom with a bathroom. I also really liked my roommates, although I think I just got lucky in that respect.

I had to shop for and cook my own food, which was hard on the wallet, but I didn't really mind it because I like cooking and I'm not picky. Ireland is such an agrarian country that their food is really fresh. In a grocery store you'd be hard pressed to find processed food that wasn't imported. I bought most of my food at the local farmer's market, and this was usually the highlight of my week. I really liked the food in Ireland, although I missed the convenience of a dining hall.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Irish people are very nice, laid back, and open to making friends with just about anyone. All of the friends I met while abroad were so wonderful, and I am going to miss them terribly. However, I noticed that many of the other international students were only friends with the people from their programs that were based in their home countries. I directly enrolled and lived with all Irish people, so I definitely sought out more Irish friends. I joined the equestrian club on a whim, and it was the other best decision that I made while I was in Ireland. That was where I met the majority of my (Irish) friends. I went out to pubs with them, I went to their houses, and I got to know them all so well. I got to ride Irish sport horses every week which was really different and an amazing experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never really had any healthcare issues, but I wouldn't have been too worried if I did.

UL is possibly the only university in the world that is safer than Middlebury College

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was hard living abroad paying for my own food and transportation everywhere, and as an American the exchange rate for the Euro was not in my favor. Even though I tried to sustain a budget, I ended up going over. Although I must admit that I could have spent a little less money in the pubs, as that is an activity that gets expensive after a while.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• Housing
• Helpfulness of administration

• Availability of administration

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer