Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unbelievable Past Review

By (Springfield College) - abroad from 01/07/2018 to 05/09/2018 with

API (Academic Programs International): Cork - National University Of Ireland, University College Cork

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, being able to get dropped off in a foreign city and navigate my way around. Also by traveling to different cities and finding my way around those as well. Another big thing I learned is the importance of time management and studying even when no work is due. My experience was 100% worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not the best housing offered in Cork, but was arguably the best location to campus and downtown Cork.

* Food:

Tesco was great

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was very friendly and the local students always helped in anyway they could

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My roommate had to go to the hospital and it was easy for him to get everything he needed

* Safety:

Very safe

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

Cork was an awesome city with plenty to do and great people living in it. I cannot wait until I can go back and visit!

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)

spent a little more than normal due to weekend traveling

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $200 or so a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out a lot, save money by making lunch and dinner 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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Director was personable
  • Lots of info in the intro session
  • The API group was great and we all got along very well
* What could be improved?
  • More trips as a group
  • Shorter intro session on site
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How large the city of cork actually was, nothing looks as big on a map as it actually is.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.