Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Journey of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Community Health Education, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 06/07/2014 to 07/03/2014 with

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: Galway - National University of Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad makes you look at your culture and at yourself as an individual person separate from your culture. It allows you to open up your mind and view your everyday activities with a critical eye. You learn new ways to do things and different ways to think. You learn to appreciate what you have and prioritize what truly matters in your life.

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.

We learned more through on-hands experiences than in the classroom, which I felt was the most appropriate manner in which in learn.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn the exchange rates before you go. It will allow you to budget better. Also, plan to eat 2 meals a day. It will save you lots of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Chance to remake yourself
  • Laid-back culture of Ireland
* What could be improved?
  • Longer length
  • Better budgeting methods
  • Include Cork and Limerick in the Day Tours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A profound change in who you are may or may not happen. Either way is ok. What really matters is that you went and experienced these new things. Don't be afraid to try new things. (Seriously. I know it's corny, but do it.)

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.