Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

No greater craic than in Ireland Past Review

By (Engineering Science., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/15/2012 with

IFSA: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely one of the most worthwhile experiences I've ever had. I gained a lot of courage to meet new people and try new and unique things. I also learned how to plan out my own trips pretty well, since I traveled as often as possible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On the one hand, the classes did not require a whole lot of work (no weekly assignments), but on the other hand, this led to a decent amount of individual study. In general, the coursework was much easier to handle, however.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the on-campus apartment-style housing I was in, and that I was housed with mostly Irish students.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is so easy and fun to make friends with the Irish!

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? This approach may not be for everyone, but I spent as little money as possible on groceries so that I would have money for trips and other fun outings. The good news is that it is easy to purchase healthy, good food at a low price in Ireland.

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?
  • Irish students/people in general
  • Prepaid IFSA-Butler trips
  • Pre-arranged housing
* What could be improved?
  • Budgeting tips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Ireland doesn't really ever get warmer...even in May when I assumed it would warm up a little. It's true that you'll have about one good week of summer.and then it gets cold again.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!