Past Review

By (Marketing., Providence College) for

IFSA: Galway - National University Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile and one of the best decisions I've made. I've gained a much greater sense of who I am, how independent I can be and how much I can accomplish and overcome on my own. Going abroad is such a liberating experience. It has allowed me to look back on my time and realize that I was able to manuever my way around so many unknown countries, cities and cultures with nothing more than a map. It is so cool to be able to say I lived in Ireland and visited 18 different cities all in one year of my life. I would give anything to do it all over again!

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Full-Year 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program was really great. They did a great job of preparing us for living in Ireland and they were also really helpful when I was abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great! I lived in Gort na Coiribe which was student housing. There were American and Irish students living there were always people around and lots of things going on. <br /><br /> It is about a 15 minute walk to campus and about the same distance into town. Although it seems far, you get used to the walk and start to enjoy it after awhile. The housing is also so great, its definitely worth it!

* Food:

Most of my money was spent on food. I had to go grocery shopping all the time because of the tiny fridge which didn't hold very much in my apartment. I would also buy lunch on campus because there was no meal plan or anything like that.

* 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? No

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? Like I said before, I spent most of my money on food/groceries because I was living in my own apartment and had no meal plan as part of my program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students