Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I am truly happy with my experience and wouldn't change it for the world. Past Review

By (Marywood University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 06/03/2012 with

Maynooth University: Maynooth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot from this experience. I feel I grew as a persona and it was definitely worth while.

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 educational experience in Ireland is extremely different than that of the US. As fun as it was trying to understand how it worked, it would have been a little helpful to know a few things ahead of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments are awesome. Had a little bit of mold in the bathroom but that was taken care of. Overall the rooms and kitchen were great.

* Food:

The food is very expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the culture. Everyone was very accepting which really made me feel at home while I was in Ireland. I had the time of my life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Unfortunately, had a trip to the ER with my friend to get stitches and ended up having to wait 15 hours to be seen. It was quite the experience.

* Safety:

Overall, I felt very safe almost everywhere I went in the country.

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? No
* 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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is very hard to save money while abroad. I ended up spending a lot and honestly I do not regret any of the trips I went on or any of the money I spent. Personally I think if you go into it thinking you are going to try and save money you will miss out on some amazing experiences.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The freedom of the program was nice.I wasn't tied down with all american's.
* What could be improved?
  • One of the other american school's gave their students grocery money once a week. I feel this would greatly improve the program because the food is so expensive.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything.