Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Going to Ireland and Mostly Enjoying One's Self Past Review

By (Math, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/09/2012 to 12/14/2013 with

University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I learned a lot and enjoy my time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As far as rigor goes, a student can sort of chose how much work they want to do. Your professors will provide an exhausting reading list, and they won't really specify what they'd like you to read. Sometimes its clear, but most of the time, you can simply read what sounds most appealing or most instructive. Visiting students are evaluated with continuous assessment only. Which means: you write papers and only take exams in classes in math and science classes. This means that you end up reading whatever is absolutely necessary for your papers, and any additional reading you do is essentially up to you. Resources were ample and again, you can learn a lot if you exercise the prerogative to do so.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was pretty confusing, I won't beat around the bush. You can figure everything out rather easily, but what with living in a novel place and on your own, it can be a handful. My advice: go to most of the Visiting Student events on your calendar-- some of them don't sound important but were presumably pretty informative.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived on campus(ish) housing--Donnegan Court--and it was really nice. I think its more expensive than finding your own place, but its obviously easier. Most of the people in the apartment were other Visiting Students, but its largely impossible to avoid spending a lot of time with other foreigners.

* Food:

I mean... I made my own. There was a Subway and a Starbucks and then a really really awful cafeteria in the main concourse at the University, but yeah, groceries. Oh, amazing sandwich shop just off campus called Wards. Get after it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As i mentioned, you'll most likely spend a lot of time with Visiting students because there are a lot of them, and the Irish students are a little tired of us. There are, however, many clubs to join, and you'll obviously meet people like that.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No idea. Sorry.

* Safety:

Pretty darn safe.

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 was pretty pricey. Find the cheaper grocery stores (Aldi) and drink less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-70 Euro

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
  • 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?
  • Freedom
  • Easiness of Classes
  • Learning about Ireland (the Mother Country)
* What could be improved?
  • Organization on their end
  • Fewer visiting students
  • Weather
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are a lot of visiting students-- making Irish friends is kind of hard! Put yourself out there, join groups and be active.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Medieval Ireland 400-800
Course Department: History
Instructor: Daibhi O Croinin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was mostly not challenging and was really really informative. The professor is at the top of his game and lectures with entertainment firmly in mind.
Credit Transfer Issues: No. Sorry.