Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend it! Past Review

By (National University of Ireland, Galway) - abroad from 06/29/2017 to 07/21/2017 with

University of Galway: International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an enormous amount about the education system in Ireland. I learned about my learning and teaching philosophies. The course was extremely worthwhile.

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.

The course was excellent. A great balance between class, lectures and field trips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

WiFi in the dorm was very intermittent, It was difficult to connect and the staff after hours were not helpful.

* Food:

The food was good and prices were reasonable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did quite a bit with the local culture, which was awesome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't access the healthcare. I had no idea any healthcare was available. I didn't need it or use it. I don't know how to rate something that I didn't use or even know existed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe. When I was out at night, I was always with someone else.

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

The course was well thought out, the lectures and field trips were informative and engaging.

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 was expensive to eat. We bought food and cooked some meals at home. We ate lunches out, as there wasn't time to go back to the dorm and fix lunch and return. We did eat out some.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200.00 plus

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We didn't receive any language instruction in the first week, which would have been beneficial, as we could have been using it earlier.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Please have a class the first week in order for us to get started using it. More classes are needed.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff was excellent
  • The excursions were amazing.
  • Being in Galway was fantastic.
* What could be improved?
  • Timing of Irish classes, more and earlier in course.
  • Not having paper and two presentations all due the same week.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how cold and rainy it would be. I wish I knew to arrive early or stay after the program for a few days to a week to explore more of Ireland on my own.

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.