Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

High VIs Past Review

By (Sculpture, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

Burren College of Art: Ballyvaughan - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, and where I want to take my education. It was a struggle at times but definitely worth while.

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.

Its as intense and rigorous as you make it. Its very independent, so you have to have that self motivation. and resources are limited, which can make things difficult and frustrating at times. However you can work this to your advantage.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing! everyone was so accommodating and friendly. Made you feel like you were warm and welcome into the Burren family as soon as you arrived.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All 9 undergrad lived together which was fun, but caused some challenges. The house was amazing, and very spacious.

* Food:

Food wasn't the easiest to get in ballyvaughan. The college itself made meals everyday which are delicious. But with only a little market in town causes issues when you have to make dinners each day. it can get really costly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When the college did take us out it was amazing. we were able to see a few places and experience some great shows and towns. Its just hard to do on your own because Ballyvaughan is so remote and hard to travel from.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They don't have much health care. They have a clinic in town. But zig you need any perceptions you have to travel out of town. Digestive of food issues are hard to deal with. I was gluten free before the trip and I wasn't able to continue because there wasn't enough food to eat. Its not impossible though.

* Safety:

Its very safe. You can get lifts home from people. and don't have to worry about leaving things in your studio or in the house

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

The money I saved went fast. With conversion rates, it eat my money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can, because you will spend more then you think. especially if you want to travel.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 space. The gallery space given. The breathing space in ballyvaughan. But also the head space your in when there.
  • Time. It seems to disappear. And stress become meaningless.
  • Inspiration. There is so much to inspire you. All you have to do is step outside.
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice to have more travel options. Ballyvaughan is lovely but I would have loved to see more of Ireland.
  • I wasent a fan of checking in in the morning. it would have been nice to have the freedom to work when we want to and go in the studio at our own pace.
  • More food options. Especially those with food allergies and intorlerences. it was hard to find food, and feel good all semester.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have loved to know how limited we were on resources and transportation we were. They made it seem like we would be able to travel. Get art materials, and have interactions with a lot of people. When in reality I was with around 10 student the entire semester struggling to find materials and not able to travel much. It was fun and I made it work but I wasn't prepared for it.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.