Ireland is a beautiful country that can only be fully appreciated first-hand. Past Review

By (Occupational Therapy, Xavier University) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to better organize my time and money in order to get the most out of my experience. I learned a lot about myself and how to be self-sufficient.

Review Photos

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Education Office was very helpful and offered a wide variety of programs and events for international students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Joining clubs and societies is the best way to get involved!

* 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

Being immersed in a different culture is the best way to learn about it. I was able to fully participate in the culture and enjoyed every moment of it. The people are extremely friendly, inviting, and accepting and Ireland is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Not only was I able to travel all around Ireland, but it is easy enough to get anywhere else in Europe. I saw so many places, ate so much amazing food, and met some of my best friends on this trip. These are memories I would not trade for anything.

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? $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The Irish language is not typically spoken, but is seen on almost all road signs. Learning the language was still interesting and fun so I highly suggest taking the module.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Having the freedom to travel
  • Meeting local students and forming relationships with them
  • Being immersed in a new culture and being able to participate in it
* What could be improved?
  • Being told ahead of time that we had more options for classes than the initial list that was offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would have kept a journal. I have so many pictures to capture the big moments, but I know I have forgotten some of the smaller details.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'