Studying abroad with AIFS in Ireland was grande, CHEERS Past Review

By (College of Charleston) - abroad from 08/23/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that sometimes no plan is the best plan, that was a big thing for me. Sometimes the most amazing experiences come when you least expect them. Definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers at UL were amazing. It was incredible to learn about topics from a totally different perspective and be given way more responsibility for facilitating learning inside and outside of the classroom. The school is beautiful and the people were fantastic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The onsite instructors were amazing, they were always there to accommodate the students. They were easy to contact and ready to help!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Getting to live with other AIFS students in townhouses really only enhanced the experience it was like summer camp, where you become best friends with your house in a week! Living in the townhouses was one of my favorite parts about studying abroad, the little community we built was strong, caring, and adventurous.

* Food:

I didn't have a meal plan, but the food in Ireland is incredible. It's hearty and delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people were so kind and I made numerous friends and got to travel all over the country, but honestly I became closer with the students in my program. I wouldn't have had it any other way though!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable to me, but my friend hit her head and we called an ambulance which is free in Ireland!

* Safety:

I never felt as if I was in any danger, I felt safe always.

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

They were so organized and helpful, easily accessible and the most cost efficient program!

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 was not good a budgeting because I wanted to say yes to all of the opportunities that came my way and I am so glad I did. 1

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan how much you are willing to spend on each trip before you continue planning trips, enjoy the city you are studying in and explore it as much as possible!

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I met
  • Traveling to new places
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, a longer trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to bring better walking shoes!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.