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Study Abroad Program Review of API (Academic Programs International): Galway - National University Of Ireland, Galway

Submitted by Laura Smith (History,female,University of Dayton) on January 10th, 2010

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Academics
Language
Housing & Food
Culture & Health
Final Opinion

Academics Overall

**Overall educational experience:

**Comment:

The classes in Ireland are very different than classes in the United States. The classes are conducted solely by lectures usually. Though this grants the student an immense amount of freedom, which I enjoyed, it can sometimes leave the student with a feeling of indifference towards the professors.

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Course Title:

Celtic Culture and Society II

Course Department and Number:

Instructor:

Kicki Ingridsdotter

Language of Instruction:

English

Please comment on the course:

I enjoyed this class immensely. The class was smaller and the teacher learned all of the students names and wanted them to participate in class. The teacher also had a lot of knowledge on Old Irish customs and could explain the old myths in interesting ways.

Please rate the course overall:

Did you have any credit transfer issues upon return to your home institution? If so, what would you suggest to other students?

I didn't have credit issues upon returning but I would suggest that students talk to their home university about credits before studying abroad.

Participation Year:

2009

Term:

Spring

Host Country Program Administration Overall

**On-site administration of your program:

**Please explain the program's strengths and weaknesses:

My program director overseas was IMMENSELY helpful. She knew everything going on in the city, Ireland, and Europe. She was there when we had questions about courses, transferring credits, sicknesses, and would even go personally to professors on our behalf. She would help us with our own travel plans as well as plan several interesting and exciting excursions. The program size was also very nice. With only 25 or so participants, you were able to befriend everyone in the program, giving you a nice group of friends within the first week or so. My expectations were definitely met.

Housing Overall

**Housing satisfaction:

**Comment:

This was the only downside to the program I believe. Five students had to live in an apartment complex away from the other API participants and I was one of those unlucky 5. My room was tiny and drafty. It was a 30 minute walk to the other apartments, which hampered my ability in the beginning to befriend the other participants, though I quickly got used to walking. Corrib Village, my apartment complex, was also a 30 minute walk to the grocery store and downtown. But it was less than a 5 minute walk to school. So even though my apartment was not as nice as the other apartments, I could roll out of bed and be in class in less than 5 minutes.

Food Overall

**Food satisfaction:

**Comment:

Food in Ireland is very expensive. There are higher prices in grocery stores and restaurants. I would suggest buying food in Dunnes (grocery stores) and making your own food. And food in general is very similar to the United States, though because they don't use preservatives, it will go bad a lot faster than food in America. Though a few good places I did find to eat is Zatsuma, a crepe store.

Safety and Health Overall

**How well were health issues addressed through your program?

**Safety:

**Comment:

Galway is an extremely safe city. I walked home by myself at night many times and I was never harassed. Though I would not suggest making 2am walks a routine, if you have to do it, you can. Though I did not have any health problems, I know a few friends that did, and the healthcare was very easy, accessible, and friendly.

Money Overall

**How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

General Assessment Overall

**Words of wisdom:

I would say fill out your roommate form very carefully. I should have been more specific about my own habits for my roommate turned out to be nothing like me. We had opposite sleep cycles. She didn't like to go out and I did.
Also be careful with your money. Ireland is expensive. If you want to travel, or shop a lot, or go out to eat a lot, then you need to watch your spending in the bars. Some guys would spend a $100 a night at a pub on drinks (which are expensive). But if you are smart, you can go out, buy a couple of drinks, and still have money to do what you want.

**If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program?

Yes

**Overall satisfaction with your study abroad experience:

**Was your study abroad experience worthwhile?

My experience was definitely worthwhile. After studying in Ireland, I know I want to live overseas again. This time I'm thinking Scotland or Australia. Studying abroad really opens your eyes to larger world and inspires you with a desire to want to see that world. I am also no longer scared to try new things. After figuring out the Belgium train/bus system, I feel like I can take on the world. Everyone remarked on how much more confident I am now, and this happens to everyone! Studying abroad changed my life! And API in specific was amazing. If you go to Galway, you definitely have to go with API!

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Study Abroad Program Review of API (Academic Programs International): Galway - National University Of Ireland, Galway

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