The Rocky Shore of Galway Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 06/25/2012 to 07/20/2012 with

University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Irish history that I had never known before.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The internet was pretty bad.

* Food:

Seafood was amazing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spent more time on my studies so I felt less integrated but I still had time to go out a couple times a week.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A friend broke her ankle and the program director took her to the hospital promptly.

* Safety:

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)

It depends on your budget and how good you are at being thrifty. I probably spent over $700 on gifts, food, and travel. I had a friend who only spent about $400.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Over $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food from the grocery store. Do not go out to restaurants every other night.

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? Direct Enrollment

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

  • Americans
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 on my trip
  • The free weekend that gave me a chance to tour Ireland on my own
  • The planned trips
* What could be improved?
  • Either another free weekend
  • More accurate representation of the courseload
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much work the classes would be.