Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Limerick - Semester in Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence! I totally stepped out of my shell, and have become a better version of myself. I have confidence that I can figure stuff out on my own trust my judgment. It was such a worthwhile experience, and I can't recommend studying abroad enough!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site director for my program was outstanding! He always checked in to make sure we were doing okay, and took us on several excursions around Ireland so we could see the beautiful country we were staying in.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living in the student accommodations- I was close to campus, so it wasn't too far of a walk to my classes every day.

* Food:

The food in Ireland is really good- get used to eating a lot of chips (fries) because they come with everything!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get sick a few times and had to go see the doctor. CISabroad helped me to get reimbursed with the medical insurance that was included in the program cost. My on-site director also made sure to check up on me and make sure that I was feeling better.

* Safety:

I always felt safe, both on campus and in the city.

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

I loved staying in Limerick rather than Dublin, because I Limerick is not a well-known tourist city, even though there is tons of history. I felt like I got to see a more authentic version of Ireland during my program that I may have missed out on if I had gone to Dublin.

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)

It was very easy to get groceries on a student budget! I usually went to Aldi, and I was able to keep my weekly grocery budget at $40 or less! The expensive part comes from eating out all the time. It can add up quickly if you go out for meals, so I recommend cooking for yourself as much as possible.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When looking to travel within Ireland, always look for student discounts! There are cheaper bus fares for students. as well as discounts at certain stores/ restaurants. When traveling to other countries. try using Ryanair (or other discount airlines), staying in hostels, and avoiding eating out all the time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • on-site support
  • cultural immersion
* What could be improved?
  • communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I had the option to fly into Dublin rather than Shannon to save money. I was told I had to fly into Shannon because that was where I was to be picked up. However, I didn't realize that I could have flown into Dublin and just taken a bus to Limerick. It was definitely more convenient to fly into Shannon, but also more expensive.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.