I love Limerick! Past Review

By (Sociology., Birmingham-Southern College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Limerick, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the greatest things I gained from my study abroad experience is a sense of accomplishment and independence. I was able to take care of myself in a foreign country, I lived on my own, cooked my own food, found the grocery store, bought medicine when I was sick, took train solo train rides across the country to places I had never been. I loved Limerick, the apartment I lived in, the friends I made. I have kept in touch with some of my friends from Ireland since I got back. I want to continue to go abroad, whether through work, graduate school or volunteer work. I hope to continue to explore new cultures and make new friends.

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.

I especially enjoyed the Irish Folklore and Irish Music classes. The course load during the semester was far less involved than I was used to, but to make up for it finals were far more intense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was available for help if you needed it, but because the program is so large, they did not spend a lot of time building relationships with individual students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment housed six people and they did a fantastic job of mixing American, international and Irish students. I loved my apartment!

* Food:

You have your own kitchen. I had to learn how to cook, eating on campus is not a great or affordable option,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The international society is a must join. They organize trips around Ireland and it's a great way to meet other study abroad students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Don't be scared by the nickname "stab city" it's not nearly that bad, you'll probably never even see the bad areas.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? While the city of Limerick is not as picturesque as Galway, or as large as Dublin, it is centrally located to all the tourist spots in Ireland. There is lots to see and do on the West coast of Ireland, more so than the East coast. Learn to work the bus system quickly, it's the easiest, and often only way to get anywhere. Also learn to love walking! It's a long walk from the apartments to classes to the grocery store to anywhere!