Past Review
By Mags (Sociology., University of Hartford) for
IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I had the time of my life and could not have been happier. I miss it everyday. I would tell everyone to study abroad it is the best thing you will ever do. I gained new friends, a different view of life, more experiences, so much. I feel like I have actually lived, it wasn't just a little trip for a week. I lived in a different country for four months. I got to see a different way of life than my own.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Linda the program's administrator was an amazing woman. She was friendly, personable and always interested about how you were. The program is great always giving good idea's for trips or places to eat. The program size was perfect everyone virtually became friends. The program was very informative upon arrival with a two day orientation. The only weakness that I believe Butler has is the lousy person in the United States organizing the students before they leave. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked where I lived, it was convenient. I could walk to class, walk in to town. And I enjoyed my roommates. The housing was safe, there was a security guard. |
| * Food: |
Saturday and Sunday markets had the best food! Fresh baked, sushi, split pea curry soup is the BEST!I went food shopping though at dunne's and usually cooked in my apartment because it was cheaper. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Ireland is beautiful and magical in the same sense. I love it there just walking down Shop street in Galway is amazing. Most memorable places were sitting on the water just relaxing, going to the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and just going out with friends. Another great thing about Europe was being able to travel so cheap, I saw 7 countries in four months, it was amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Healthcare was easily accessible because just like UH there is a health services on campus, and Butler gives you medical insurance. About safety, I never had a problem in Galway. I felt Galway to be very safe. But I would recommend not to go out alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say bring as much money as you possibly can. Food is expensive everywhere but especially since the dollar is weaker as of now it makes it much more expensive. I would say I went through about $6000-$7000 on food, personal expenses, traveling. Yes, that does seem like a lot, but in the end I would rather have spent it all then have not done certain things. I will remember this experience forever and one thing I always say is yes you can always go back, but it will never be as good as it was then. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Butler is a great program. They are always there to help you with anything and you get the sense they really care. I would highly recommend Butler to students and I would most definitely recommend Galway!!! |
