Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Limerick, Ireland: Potential Home Away from Home Past Review

By (Mathematics Education/Physics Teacher Education, Illinois State University) for

University of Limerick: Limerick - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a fantastic experience! I made so many new friends! I will keep in contact with them forever! I can't wait to go back and visit!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Little to no feedback or homework during the semester, most of the grade was the final so all the pressure builds up at the end of the semester. Workload was extremely light, lots of time to socialize, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Generally accessible for any questions. Could be slow in getting things done, but that was common in the country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did need to buy sheets and other bathroom and bedroom items, but all kitchen items were provided. Safety was not an issue. Housing was a little farther from main campus than I would have liked, but generally very nice.

* Food:

Order pizza, go to Dolan's Warehouse at least once

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Travel to different mountains and cultural sites.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

General advice: travel in groups, stay in well-lighted areas, try not to travel at night, have cab numbers in your phone, etc.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I'm not sure. Probably about 100 euro per week?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Transfering money there is expensive. As inconvenient and potentially dangerous as it is, try to bring cash with you.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? United States

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is a fantastic experience, the Irish are very friendly, kind, and helpful. Don't go if all you want to do is drink. I would suggest this program to students who work very hard; it's a nice break to be able to relax while still going to school.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Probability Theory
Course Department: MS4213
Instructor: David Ramsey
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was great! Just the right amount of difficulty! The teacher was knowledgable and well prepared.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had a few issues getting it approved for the class I wanted it to count for, but after I received the syllabus and sent it to my advisor, I had no issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Biology 1
Course Department: BY4001
Instructor: John Breen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was a typical 1st semester bio class, large class with simple labs. Easy
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Quantum Physics (Physics 7)
Course Department: PH4403
Instructor: George McClelland
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was great!! It moved a little slow at times, but I really enjoyed it. I don't think we covered as much material or in as much depth as I would have at ISU, so luckily I don't have to take any more advanced courses relying on this material. Also we used an online question submitting system called Peerwise which was fantastic!!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Irish Traditional Music and Dance
Course Department: MU4135
Instructor: Niall Keegan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was generally fun, but got a little too technical at some times. Also we did not receive grades back on our mid-semester essays before the final, which was an essay test.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ordinary Differential Equations
Course Department: MS4403
Instructor: Sebastian Franz
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very difficult. Dr. Franz was rarely prepared and he moved too fast through the material. All the students had trouble with the pace. This was the worst class of my experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: