Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fall in love with the local scene July 28, 2022

By (Anthropology/Dance, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/09/2022 to 05/09/2022 with

Arcadia: Galway - National University of Ireland, Galway

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Sooooooo worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and a place and culture I love.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

FUN

* 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? Yes

I loved Galway, and this program gave me the ability to be there.

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)

2.3

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? know what your food staples are and where to get them, and buy your own coffee to make at home!

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

language was by choice

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? get to know the locals!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met
  • The place
  • a different academic experience
* What could be improved?
  • I had to make the steps into local community on my own, I wish there were more invitations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will be hard. It is worth it. Trust yourself. Let it be for fun.

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

IRISH CHILDHOODS
Course Department: Children's Studies
Instructor: Cassie Smith-Christmas
Instruction Language: English and Irish
Comments: Was awesome! The teacher was clear and well-prepared and I loved this course
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

King Arthur and the Holy Grail
Course Department: Irish Civilization
Instructor: Graham Isaac
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging! The lectures were wonderful. Participated in class less than at Middlebury. Assesment was written exams
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Irish for Beginners
Course Department: Irish Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Irish
Comments: Fun and challenging. I wish there was more class time and more opportunity to learn. Assessment was homework and exams.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Medieval Women in the Celtic-Speaking West
Course Department: Irish Civilization
Instructor: various
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Brilliant material for a course and well taught. I wish there was more opportunity to participate and discuss. Assessment was exam papers
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Irish Landscapes, Culture and Literature
Course Department: Irish Civilization
Instructor: Nessa Cronin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great material but taught online in a fairly noncompelling fashion
Credit Transfer Issues: