Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ireland: Great Craic and Good Friends Past Review

By (Media Studies, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

Maynooth University: Maynooth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile, I will never have another experience like this one. I learned a lot about Irish culture and made some amazing friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Resources were quite limited, Fordham/NUIM International Office did not really prepare me for what to expect of this program academically. The set up of courses in Ireland is VERY different from the academic structure in America. It was definitely a learning experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Aside from occasional mixers at the start and end of the year, the International Students Office did not reach out to the students very frequently.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The organization of campus rooms and financial planning ahead of time could have been better, but I was surprisingly pleased with my living arrangements.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally lucked out with an amazing group of Irish roommates who made quite an effort to include me, if not for them however, there was very little opportunity provided to integrate students with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't require any healthcare, but the on campus medical office seemed to be easily accessible.

* Safety:

Maynooth was a lovely campus town, very safe, plenty of guarda all around. Dublin required a little more caution, but even so, very safe.

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)

Traveling during breaks/excursions took up a good part of my budget, food expenses weren't so bad with our own kitchens and access to affordable supermarkets, but going out and traveling definitely made the largest impact on my budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $140

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • The people
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • Academic immersion
  • Immersion in the campus community
  • Outreach from my home university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The structure of the courses/exams here, how much work/attendance is expected.

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!