Ireland was more amazing in person ! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

University of Galway: International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Irish history that most Americans would not know about and how that affected the people. And I saw how the Irish nation's growth affected Theatre as an art form reflecting of specific times. I gained new insights through my international house mates and Irish classmates that has positively expanded my understanding of their world.

Review Photos

National University of Ireland, Galway/ NUI Galway: International Summer School Photo National University of Ireland, Galway/ NUI Galway: International Summer School Photo National University of Ireland, Galway/ NUI Galway: International Summer School Photo National University of Ireland, Galway/ NUI Galway: International Summer School Photo National University of Ireland, Galway/ NUI Galway: International Summer School Photo

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.

Class work load was ideal and non-stress.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The initial orientation was detailed but later on in the semester there was no check in.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing itself was good however, since it is in a freshman housing area the neighbors can be extremely loud and security was not helpful in those situations. There was a housing crisis in the whole country so it seems to be very difficult to arrange housing that is more affordable than the school housing.

* Food:

Buying own groceries and cooking worked out fine. Many grocery store were in walking distance from Corribe Village. In addition, on campus cafes and food courts were also available.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Awesome! If you choose to be involved in clubs/ societies/ events/ extra curricular activities people are very welcoming and engaging.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NUIG had on campus access to very basic healthcare that is easily accessible.

* Safety:

No problems what so ever walking back to housing at night in a group or individually.

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

The Theatre exchange program I choose was amazing due to the accommodating professors and welcoming 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)

Cooking at the School housing made the budget go up a bit but most of the expenses were for food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply to as many scholarships are possible. And plan ahead by working during the summers prior to departure. so that you also have money when you return to your home college.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Societies ( drama & musical)
  • Erasmus students
  • Galway city itself
* What could be improved?
  • Communication from the International office on campus
  • transportation assistance
  • Housing crisis
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it would have been easier to have a bike to get around. Otherwise you would have to walk everywhere.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.