Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my life on the Emerald Isle Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 06/04/2016 with

Maynooth University: Maynooth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
VERY worthwhile. I learned about myself in so many ways. I became more independent, gained a much larger perspective of the world. It also made me appreciate many things back in the states!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice on-campus apartments!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were a lot of events and socs that were very opening to international students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had strep throat during my program and the school nurse was great about taking care of me and got me a prescription within an hour.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Maynooth was great!! Campus is beautiful, the administration was so nice and helpful to me, especially in the music department.

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)

It is difficult, but definitely possible with careful planning

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to only eat out a few times a week. Go to Aldi's! I lived off of tea and biscuits for a few weeks near the end when I was low on money. Not super healthy, but I'm still alive and well!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • Close to Dublin
  • Extra things to do around campus including built-in trips
  • Student Activity Center!
* What could be improved?
  • Information on what to do once you get to campus. I had no idea where do go. May include a map of Maynooth?
  • You have to get a visa once you get there that is like 300 euros
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save money by not buying as many groceries as I do back here. Think of places you want to go beforehand, but trips will come up with friends, so don't make plans that are too set in stone before you go.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.