Ireland: I am a changed woman Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload wasn’t to terribly hard. I enjoyed the papers. The grading system was almost the same as my home university (WOU), but the criterion was worded differently. The teaching style was the same that I needed!! I loved, and adored, the professor’s ability to keep all of us engaged. I learned way more about my ancestry there, than I would have in a class. Over all the academic side was awesome!!

On-site administration of your program

Their accessibility/support system was great! They were a big help to me when I lost my card wallet (I got it back). They got things done easily enough. The professors had a large knowledge base of their home country. They knew about American higher education. The program size was just right. It kind of reminded me of the class sizes at my home university. My expectations were met!! The weakness that I could name was not stating in the initial paper work what weekends were ours or ones that were geared towards the whole group…but other than that, nothing else!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was arranged by rooms. They were all set up when we arrived! The family was INCREDIBLY accommodating when one of the groups family was not contacted, he ended up sticking with us! The proximity to the school was easily a 15 minute walk! It was also close to bus stops so we could head into Dublin proper very easily. I didn’t need to buy anything to get settled in!! I, and the folks I was with, was treated like family. If we had an issue, they’d sit with us and get it worked out. I miss them dearly!!

The food. Oh the food!! It was amazing!! Our host mom over did sometimes, portions were HUGE, but we loved it all the same. The quality was amazing! I would advise dining with your host family. You tend to learn more about the country (news, politics, and such) when you sit with them and eat. I enjoyed it!!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This’ll be the longest answer….oh boy!! I remember all the pub life. Everyone that I met at a pub just wanted to meet us and get to know us. Going to a ceili was amazing! Being able to learn the dances was incredible!! Learning to play Gaelic football was fun as well! Although I was hit, I still had fun. I also remember the walking tour of Dublin. Without that, I would have gotten lost several times! I can thank Dan; he was a helper outer, for that. The best trip, I think, that we had was when we went to Glencolmcille. It was heaven on earth!! What was funny, and I still remember, was that our group of 40 took over the ENTIRE town!! I still laugh when I think about it! This answer could go on, and on. So I’ll stop here. :)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Overall safety was good. I’d advise being in big groups when you go out. There were no safety incidents that I can remember. The only health care experience I had was that I came down with a REALLY sore throat. But, the care I needed was very accessible. It was about the same price that I would have paid at home. There weren’t any big health issues in my host country that I can remember…I didn’t need any vaccines either.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• International Students
• Host Family

• The people.
• The area. So beautiful!
• The teachers.

• Nothing
• Nothing
• Nothing