Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Galway: Authentic, Alive, Amazing Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 05/10/2017 with

University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself this semester than in the summation of my entire college experience. Studying abroad challenges you to be independent, confident, and hard-working, while at the same time providing you with opportunities to explore the world. I would go back to Galway anyday! The experience was absolutely worth all of the hard work it took to get the exchange organized.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

This program was well organized, provided a ton of support, was comfortable, safe, and provided me with many immersive experiences both in Ireland and across Europe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely buy your own food and cook as much as you can. You will want to go out and get drinks with your friends and go on trips, so cut costs where you can. Also, don't pay extra for luggage -- you won't need 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

* 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?
  • Location
  • Travel Opportunities
  • Curriculum
* What could be improved?
  • Food Budget
  • Discussions With Previous Exchange Students
  • Information about societies and clubs at NUIG and the role they will play
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how important societies and clubs were to one's social experience at NUIG. Had I known I would've joined more sooner!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.