The best thing I've done in my life. Past Review

By (Transylvania University) - abroad from 08/23/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a wider network of friends and contacts, the confidence to travel anywhere on my own, and knowledge from my classes that I can use in different aspects of my career and life. This trip was completely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo Arcadia: Limerick - University of Limerick Photo

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 modules were great. The only issue I had was the limited computer space and having to go to the computer labs in order to print out papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Arcadia Staff was extremely helpful when first arriving to Ireland.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lacked a microwave and a the fridge was small. There weren't any labels on the stove, so when using the stove or oven we had to look at a paper to make sure it was on the right setting.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to know a lot of Irish natives from around the country. It was very helpful because I knew multiple people who live in Ireland, so they could always show me different places.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't use the health care available.

* Safety:

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

I absolutely loved everything about this program. The only problems I had were small things that I adapted to.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-50 euros a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walking to the grocery stores is not that bad, and you save money by not paying for the bus. If you do go into Limerick city, there is a Dublin Coach that costs 2 euros that takes you directly to Cappavilla, which means you don't have to carry groceries across campus and across the Living Bridge.

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

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The Accommodation
  • The friendliness of the Irish and others
  • The different oppotunities to get involved on campus
* What could be improved?
  • Inform students that places on campus only took cash
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that a lot of places on campus and in the community only take cash, so having a bank card is really important. I had to get a new one the week before I left the US, and the first couple of weeks were more difficult because I did not have cash.

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.'