Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best 5 months of my life!! :) Past Review

By (English And Communications, Assumption College) - abroad from 01/01/2012 to 05/09/2012 with

IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an increased sense of independance because I was on my own in a foreign country. I gained a broader view of the world and enjoyed seeing how the Irish view the U.S

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.

The classes in Ireland were way more chill than in the U.S. It was less stressful so I actually enjoyed the classes and felt like I learned something because it wasn't all focused on getting a high grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always remember you're spending more U.S dollars for every euro, so if something is 20 euros it could be way more in U.S dollars with the conversion rate.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Galway
  • the ability to travel around Europe
  • the friends I met
* What could be improved?
  • the heat in Menlo
  • the hot water supply in Menlo
  • more on site support with issues from IFSA Ireland staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? They don't sell Kraft Mac and Cheese in Ireland, so bring some with you :)

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Literacy and Learning in the Community
Course Department: English
Instructor: Professor Dermot Burns
Instruction Language: english
Comments: This was a great class! I was able to volunteer with a homework club at a local elementary school. This was the most valauble and memorable class I took while abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues: