Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin isn't the only city in Ireland... Galway is better! Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

Arcadia: Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I gained from this experience will be influencing me for the rest of my life. I became so much more independent and confident in myself. I learned so much about the culture and history of Ireland. I met so many people and learned about lifestyles I've never been exposed to before. I learned about what I valued and loved about home. Everything I learned about myself is so invaluable. Go abroad, and if you can, don't go in the same program as someone you know really well. Making new friends and being scared challenges you and forces you to grow. You'll be glad you went.

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.

Most courses didn't have continuous assessment, so that made the workload practically nonexistent. All of the classes and the work I did have to do were on par with what I would've expected

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Wasn't as good as I thought it would be from the pictures, but I had a roof over my head.

* Food:

I fed myself with cheap food and it was still delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I became as integrated as I wanted to be. Living with an Irish flatmate really helped with learning about the local culture, though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't experience any significant health issues, and the people I know who did were able to see a doctor. I knew where to pick up generic cold medication when I needed it since they have pharmacies close to student housing.

* Safety:

Galway is very safe. I heard about a few incidents, but they were always with drunk people and resolved quickly either by walking away or getting the bouncers or something. These kids were in groups too, so if you're going out for a night, always go with at least one other person.

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 could get by on less than $100 per week pretty easily, but that would be an average week where maybe you go out once or twice and don't travel anywhere. Travel obviously raises your expenses, and I know I don't drink as much as some college kids. $100 per week is doable, but it depends on your personal preferences.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? No idea. Not a lot, though. If I bought ~$50 of groceries, I'd be set for almost 2 weeks.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals! Eating out is almost unavoidable when you're traveling places, so while you're at home save money and make your own sandwiches for lunch.

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?
  • The friends I made.
  • The little things they did, like the Farewell dinner with gift-giving and the food vouchers to encourage us to have a group Thanksgiving.
  • They provided lots of different kinds of opportunities to get involved.
* What could be improved?
  • More information about phone plans abroad.
  • For emphasis on how windy Ireland is.
  • Better maps of host city.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew bright colors aren't weird or immediately mark you as a foreigner in Ireland. Also, get rain boots.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!