Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A true cultural immersion Past Review

By (Seton Hall University) - abroad from 05/23/2018 to 06/07/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Ireland and Scotland - Celtic Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through my time in Ireland and Scotland via CISAbroad, I had the time of my life. Although the trip was short, I was able to do so many activities and see so many parts of the countries due to the scheduling of CIS. There always seemed to be an activity planned to get us around, and even if there was not, our site directors and professor gave fantastic suggestions. The course work also helped in understand the culture, both pre-arrival and while abroad. The professor did a fantastic job in teaching the material while also making it fun and interactive. Most of all, however, it was the people I met abroad that made the trip. CIS organized the trip in a way that you could truly connect with others and di not have to go in blind even if you were traveling alone. CIS promoted a friendly environment that made the trip that much more enjoyable. Overall, I could not have picked a better company to study abroad with, as everything was safe and easy. I would definitely recommend going, and I will certainly consider going again.

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.

Great resources and professor

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Site coordinators were very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Shared accommodation, but all with other participants so it was nice.

* Food:

Had to pay for own meals for the most part, but all the spots picked were good. Breakfast and welcome/farewell dinners paid for by CIS were great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CIS was very useful when one traveler became sick

* Safety:

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)

Reasonable if you managed well

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Helpfulness of advisors
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • Accommodation in Inverness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is okay to be afraid when going into a new situation, however you can embrace it full on and be totally fine. Especially if you are a solo traveler.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.