Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Galway, Ireland, a beautiful town and a fun culture to experience Past Review

By (National University of Ireland, Galway) - abroad from 06/19/2016 to 07/20/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Galway, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel on my own. It was worthwhile because now I have confidence in my traveling abilities.

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.

The material was there, but it was not very intense which was good because I just wanted to experience the culture, not sit and work in a classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Did and excellent job being there for us in the program and getting us together for the excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good location. Wifi was not awesome.

* Food:

I bought all my meals, the ones provided were very good though

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard because it was summer break for the Irish students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't really have any problems in this field

* Safety:

I always felt safe

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

I would branch out even more away from the CEA to meet more people

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? 120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out your meals, don't let food such as bread sit out for days. They don't have the same preservatives. The pubs are very well priced! Water is free in Ireland.

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

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Location
  • Staff
  • Classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
  • Orientation process
  • Integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would need to make the effort to branch out and meet locals.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.