Interesting experience in Ireland Past Review

By (Community Heath, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It definitely was worth it, there are just some things I would change about this program.

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.

I wish I would have had one American teacher and one Irish teacher. I felt as though one of our American teachers did not really want to be in Ireland with us and let that be known. This was frustrating for the rest of us because we were all struggling with being homesick at some point or another and this was not helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The faculty we were in contact with on the NUIG campus was not very accomodating or helpful. It seemed as though she was not really prepared for our arrival nor was she willing to help us. I think that we had too many students in our program (other years it had been 15, this year it was 33).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had heard from many people that Corrib Village was not exactly safe or a great place. We experienced many difficulties with Corrib ourselves. They had taken a blanket of mine and failed to return it. They also were very slow and not very accomodating to our needs. If we called to have something fixed or needed something it could take days for them to respond and help us out.

* Food:

I am a vegetarian so finding options for me was very difficult.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I liked the day trips we attended as a group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Travel in groups! I didnt have any health issues but my roommate did and saw a doctor in Ireland. We had the e-coli scare going around Europe while we were over there so that was difficult.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more than you think you need!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • The program: how many people they took, how you interact with Irish people, maybe having a class of mixed American and Irish students, having an Irish teacher