Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New Friends and Discovering Myself Past Review

By (Music., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/21/2012 to 06/03/2012 with

Arcadia: Belfast - Queens University Belfast

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met so many amazing people while abroad whom I will never forget. These people encouraged me to be myself, and loved me unconditionally for who I was. I would go back in a heartbeat, and I loved every minute of my time abroad!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

N/A--we were expected to prepare our own food; however, sometimes the program took us out to dinner, and that was always enjoyable!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did a bit to try to help us integrate, but really this was due to my own motivation to go out and meet local students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a health care issue, but I was unclear on the procedures I should have undergone had I experienced an emergency.

* Safety:

Don't go walking around West Belfast at night, other than that you should be grand! I felt very safe the whole time I was there. Be smart about it, as you would be in any city, and you'll be just fine.

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)

I think I spent more money on alcohol than anything else, but as long as you watch your finances you should be fine. Belfast as a city, though, is slightly more expensive than anywhere in my home state.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • experiencing a new culture
  • making new friends
  • getting a chance to make a fresh start somewhere
* What could be improved?
  • administration of the Arcadia program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get a phone on the O2 network, rather than Orange

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.