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Ireland: an experience I wouldn't trade for anythig
AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick
Program Information
Study in the third largest city of the “Emerald Isle”, which has long been a popular destination for Americans and more recently visitors from around the world. Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic), music, culture, sports and a worldwide reputation for hospitality. Yo... More
| Provider: | AIFS |
| Hosted at: | University of Limerick |
| Location(s): | Limerick, Ireland |
| Year Founded: | 1964 |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Angela C. (Civil Engineering, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) on May 17, 2011
Overall Rating
Review Photos
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2011-01-17 |
| * End Date: | 2011-05-16 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes in Ireland are much more laid back during the year, but then all the grade is weighted on the end of year exams. The grading system is also very different. It took me some time to adjust to the fact that when you get 60% that's a B. With the grading weighted like that you might assume it's really easy to get good grades, but in reality the lecturers just grade harder, so it probably evens out about the same in the end. (I just remember freaking out when I got my first paper back and it was a 62, but again that is actually a good grade). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
If I ever had any questions Ialways knew exactly who to ask and it never took long to get a response. |
| * Housing: |
I lived in on campus housing. It consisted of eight people, four upstairs and four downstairs. We all shared a kitchen/living room and there was a bathroom for each floor. (The nationalities of my house included two Irish, one Canadian, one German, two French, and two american, 3 guys and 5 girls). The house was awesome, and I'm glad I got to live there. Everything was provided for settling in. I didn't have to worry about buying sheets and an ethernet cord or even dishes. The only thing other than food that I had to buy were hangers, soap, and other inexpensive stuff like that. |
| * Food: |
The food was delicious, I missed certain types of food that are of easy convenience in the states, but I fell in love with kebabs and taco fries and will be on the lookout for them when I get back to the states. One thing that I never could understand was that other than fast food places, it's almost impossible to get food after 6:00pm (unless you want to pay for a fancy meal). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
UL has two pubs right on campus that serve food and drinks all day. It was really easy to socialize with everyone on campus. I think that's one of the things I'll miss most about this experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The health center was slow and often were rude when my friends went in for being sick. Also they seemed to have ridiculous hours. But they usually gave good diagnoses and were actually helpful. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Oklahoma State University - Stillwater prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Prepare to spend a lot of money. You don't necessarily need to spend more money, you're just going to want to. Also be prepared to go outside your box, you will make friends with people you never thought you would make friends with and it will be well worth it. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | After spending time abroad it has really made me consider to work abroad, particularly in Europe. I wish I could re live the semester, it was so much fun, and I'm so glad I chose to come to Ireland. It was definitely on of the best decisions of my life. |