Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An opportunity of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Niagara University) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 04/18/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that socializing was an important aspect of daily life.

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.

Compared to the states, it was a much less stressful academic environment. It was a welcome change to my academic career.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The small gatherings at the beginning of the semester provided further information about the semester if there were any questions. The administration was very forthcoming and more than cooperative with study abroad students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think every study abroad student should be placed with a family or in an apartment with students that are not from the same university or country as himself or herself. Living with a family was the best decision I made, and I miss them terribly.

* Food:

There is always something new to try and a new twist to a classic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to acclimate quite quickly to the culture. It helped that I made friends with students who lived in the area as well as a county away.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, but it is always best to beware and be aware especially in another country.

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

I have a family connection to the area, and to experience identical things was indescribable.

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)

My rent was $150+ a week, and it did not include food, transportation, laundry, or other personal expenses. I had to pick and choose what I wanted to do and what I had to postpone.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I tried to keep my spending to $100-$175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for other stores that provide the same food, if not knock-off brands. There are always cheaper alternatives. Stay away from tourist strips. The locals will know where to go to get food and other things at reasonable and less expensive prices.

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

There was the awareness of the language, but it was not required during my time there.

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If one is to practice the language and master it within a semester abroad, it would be best to live with a family that strictly speaks the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the friends I made
  • the sights I've seen
  • the priceless experiences
* What could be improved?
  • housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would truly miss a home away from home

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.'