Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Archery, Archaeology, and American Students Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/09/2018 to 05/17/2018 with

University of Galway: International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like I gained more independence and could live on my own. I gained some amazing friends through the process both International, local, and American. I learned how to take public transportation and I'm really proud of that.

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.

The classes were not difficult. The only difficulty that I had was balancing six final projects in the last month.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hot water heater in our apartment in Corrib Village went out several times throughout the semester. In addition to that there were a lot of first year students that often were rowdy at night. I would have liked to have been around older students.

* Food:

I rarely went out to eat because it was a little pricey, however there were several grocery stores within easy walking distance that were well priced.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to know some of the locals but overall I felt it a bit difficult to get know Irish students on such a large campus and with a large international student body.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experience with health care while I was abroad so I can't actually say how it was.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking back to campus and my dorms at night. While Corrib Village was lacking in many things it was not lacking in security.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I liked Ireland and I loved the friends I made there but I think if I could do it all over I would look for a smaller university to get know more Irish students.

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)

I found it very easy to live on a student budget but I took care not to eat out too often and I save all of my extra travel for the last couple weeks abroad to make sure I did not run out of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 45-50 Euro a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Aldi and Lidl. The Saturday market is also a good place to get produce for a decent price.

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? Exchange

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
  • 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?
  • Archery
  • TGIF/Global Lounge programs
  • Student discount at the movie theater
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Getting to meet more Irish students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to use public transportation prior to going because I would have gotten out of Galway sooner to visit other places.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.