Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye Opening Past Review

By (Integrated Marketing Communications, Nichols College) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 04/07/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While in Ireland, I learned a lot about myself. While the majority for the experience was extremely negative for me, I did learn some major life lessons along the way. Personally I do not think study abroad was worthwhile and if I had to do it again I would choose to stay at my home university.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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? 200.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In general living abroad is extremely expensive due to the currency rate. One of the major money savings tips I would suggest is to plan out your meals. That way when you go to the grocery store you can get exactly what you need and not tend to spend to much money on unnecesaary things.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked the on site advisors. They really helped me with the difficulties I was expeirencing and helped push me through.
  • I also liked how the housing was close to a local store and shopping market. Since we did not have access to cars, it was convienent to have necessary stores so close.
* What could be improved?
  • One thing that could be majorly improved would be the living situation.I think there should be an option of living with a host family. Living in the apartment complex was very loud for me and it was always loud. The majority of the apartment complex was extremely dirty and unsafe.
  • Another thing that could be improved would be the lack of group activities. I had wished that API had sponsered more group activities. Often times it was hard to plan individual trips due to the lack of knowledge about the land.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that the academics would not be challenging at all. I also wish that I was warned more about the lack of sunshine in Ireland as well as a lack of politness and common courtesy in the Irish people both young and old.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.