A Forgetful Memory Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering., Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 05/14/2014 with

Fairfield University: Galway - Semester or Year in Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to break out of my comfort shell and just say yes to experiences I normally would not say yes to. It all pays off in the end, whether the outcome is good or bad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very different academic style compared to Fairfield. There is usually one assignment that your grade depends on. The semester is very dependent on yourself to do well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ann was a great administrator for us and everything ran smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location and very well kept.

* Food:

Its all very feel good food, but very delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great town, with better people. A lot of culture everywhere you look and people are not afraid to share it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues

* Safety:

Very safe and comfortable environment.

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)

As always student budgets are not the greatest but it was not any different than at home.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring cash so that is the only amount you will spend. Don't reach for the credit card, 1. It is not a common form of payment 2. You will spend too much.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • People and culture of Ireland
  • Travelling Ireland and Europe
  • City of Galway
* What could be improved?
  • Weather
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't always do the same thing every day/week. Travel as often as possible and see new places.

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.'