Nobody does study abroad like API! Best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Math, Western Washington University) for

API (Academic Programs International): Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
110% I have no way to put this into words except to say that study abroad surpassed any and all expectations I had. Be prepared to be totally blown away!

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.

The educational system in Ireland threw me for a loop. Most of their learning is done independently; very few classes have more than one hour of lecture and one hour of tutorial per week. Reading lists are extensive, but optional. Professors encourage you to "pick a few" to read out of a reading list of 10-20 books/pamphlets/etc. Also, the system has very little in terms of assesments until finals week. So for a few classes, I didn't realize how solid/weak my understanding was of the class until I was sitting for the final. Of course, I didn't study abroad soley based on the academic aspect (otherwise I would have studied in the States) but I wish I had been more prepared and disciplined for the level of independent learning and assesment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I cannot say enough positive things about the Host Administration. To be honest, having a program director on campus was what made my experience better than most other study abroad students that I talked to. My "Irish Mammy", as she liked to be called, checked in with us every week, took us to dinner, rugby games, and the theatre, and made an effort to develop a personal relationship with each of us. She schedule all of our tours, and was a bank of knowledge when it came to knowing the city, the university, and the country. And when I was pick-pocketed two weeks before the program ended, she loaned me money, found me a replacement university ID, and helped calm me down. You know you are in good hands if your program offers an on-site director.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was very interesting. I liked that each apartment was a mix of local students, international students, and Americans. The diversity made conversation and activities interesting. BE PREPARED FOR ROOMMATE DISAGREEMENTS. Irish students are traditionally messy, and really care less about respecting the communal space. It's part of their culture and their laid-back lifestyle. Also, the communal facilities are small (one mini fridge for 6 people), so expect to be inconvenienced. But if you're patient and flexible, these issues don't ruin the housing experience.

* Food:

Grocery shopping in Ireland is hard!!!! Foods and selection are very different. The one benefit that Irish grocery stores offer is an at-home delivery. USE IT! By the time you pay for a two-way bus ticket, plus the cost of bags to carry it back, the cost of delivery ends up being the better deal. You can shop for produce, soups, pasta, cleaning supplies, etc online, and they bring it right to your door.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The group of Americans in my program quickly became some of the best friends I've ever had. They made great travel companions, study buddies, and confidants. The kinds of students that API chooses to participate in their programs are all outgoing, adventurous, and interesting. I would rate this aspect of my experience much higher than a 5/5 if I could! Because we were such a great group, it made trips and events together much more enjoyable and rewarding. API's excursions are entertaining and well-worth the time and money. These were my favorite parts of my study abroad experience!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Our on-site director was always getting us medicine when we needed it, and helped us find the health center if we needed a doctor. In terms of safety, she also gave us hints on how to stay safe in the area, so I never felt in danger. The only time I felt even slightly unsafe was traveling abroad, where there was a language barrier and we were unfamiliar with the area. But never anything big. Being in a group was a good way to stay safe.

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

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can feel confident with choosing to study with API. I cannot say enough about the program and what it did for me! I like to think I was very independent and capable before studying abroad, but API and studying abroad made me so much more!!! Studying abroad requires an open mind, a LOT of patience and flexibility, and a true sense of adventure. They weren't kidding when they say it goes by faster than you think! But oh my gosh was it worth it?! I want to go back!!!!