International adventure with myself as the guide. Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 05/15/2014 with
University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Sense of independence and a better understanding of other cultures and myself. Living in Galway was one of the best experiences of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A lot different from the classes I was used to. Huge lecture halls with professors who do not know your name. A lot of the education is in your own hands. Very little guidance from the home and site university on resources. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Orientation is one of the only times you hear information. Other than that, the administration has a very hands-off approach and the students are left to figure out things on their own. No help with exam preparation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great housing through Donegan Court. Management was beyond helpful and on call if anything went wrong. |
| * Food: |
The food in Galway is amazing. Lots of variety. But it is on your own time and money, not organized by the program. The food on campus is decent. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Absolutely loved the culture in Galway. Go out and wander in town! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The clinic on campus is great as well as many local pharmacies in town. Everyone is very nice and very helpful. |
| * Safety: |
Never once felt unsafe in Galway. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
If you budgeted and did not eat out all the time, money was fine. Travel is the most expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Only bring out so much cash with you a night. And leave the cards in a safe place at home. If you don't have it with you, you will not spend it. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would learn a lot on my own, and that instead of waiting for answers I would sometimes have to figure things out 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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
