Fantastic Craic Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

Villanova University: Galway - Irish Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an awesome sense of independence. I feel like I am now well prepared to graduate and settle somewhere new. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: NUIG
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.

My upper level math course was much harder than I anticipated and the teacher marked me hard. Other than that it was not challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great living with Irish people and I am so lucky to have made such great friendships. But my house was constantly trashed and it was a hard environment to live in at times.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Irish are the best people in the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had strep and the doctor who saw me was nice and helpful and got me medicine right away.

* Safety:

Galway is a very safe town

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)

I spent a lot of money. I guess you could have done it cheaper if you don't go into town as much but it was worth it.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-80 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend all your money. You won't regret it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Making Irish friends
  • Being able to travel Europe
  • The Irish people- the nicest people on earth
* What could be improved?
  • Less rain
  • More sun
  • Cheaper gym membership
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be easy to meet people even though I knew no one coming over.