Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Ireland before COVID-19 Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/05/2020 to 03/17/2020 with

University of Galway: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I was able to gain new ideas about the world from talking to people who grew up in another country.

Review Photos

National University of Ireland / NIU: Galway - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo National University of Ireland / NIU: Galway - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo National University of Ireland / NIU: Galway - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo National University of Ireland / NIU: Galway - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo National University of Ireland / NIU: Galway - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found that classes required much more outside work than what I was used to. The science classes were more intense except for in the lab. They did not have TA hours or tutors connected to the classes. Required much more work, but the professors were helpful and worked with me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was an orientation that lasted two days, including optional tours of the campus and town.I felt that if I had any trouble, I could contact the international office on campus and they would help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Corrib Village is not the best. Its a bit dirty and run down. The walls are thin and you can hear everything. Parties happened often. Its about a ten-minute walk to get to class.

* Food:

Lots of options on campus ( seven or so cafes scattered in different buildings, the main cafeteria, and a college bar). Always very crowded though. The food quality was good, not the best.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Making Irish friends was a bit hard since they already had their friend groups and such. People were always nice though. Never felt I couldn't talk to someone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a health unit on campus. I went twice. Very helpful and inexpensive to visit.

* Safety:

I never felt scared. Always walked with friends at night, although if I had to, I would have walked alone. The worst thing that happened was unwanted touching at a pub or cat-calling.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The weather in Galway was not good. It felt like it was always raining and every other week we had a big storm that limited our plans. Also, I think I would go in the fall. I imagine its easier to make friends and there is more going on since a lot of students are just starting university.

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)

If you do not eat out often, you'll be fine. Making food in your accommodation is the easiest way to safe money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $65
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out and budget well.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Galway City
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • less classes to take
  • Irish weather
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it would be helpful to plan trips before going so you have a set schedule.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Embryology & Development
Course Department: Anatomy
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not a bad class, but not my favorite. Professor reads off powerpoints, adding in a little of his own words. Hard for me to pay attention during this class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Archaeology and Irish Identity - Celts, Christians, Vikings
Course Department: Archaeology
Instructor: Michelle Comber
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learned the most from this class and was never bored. The professor goes over everything in detail and answers any questions. There is one field trip on a Saturday. Class ends before the semester is over, and one essay is due at the end with 10 different topic options.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Classical Mythology and Drama
Course Department: Classics
Instructor: Dr. Peter Kelley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: We read a couple of greek plays and discussed them in detail. Not what I expected, but I enjoyed the class. Not difficult either. One assignment at midterm 30% then an essay at the end.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Imagining Modern Ireland: An Introduction to Irish Culture Studies
Course Department: Irish Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting material, but the class was very long. 2 hours with no visual stimulation, mainly listening to someone talk. I did end up learning a lot from this class, and the professors were all kind. One paper at the end where you answer two questions out of four.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

A Field of Gods & Men: Celtic Myths
Course Department:
Instructor: Clodaugh Downey
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting material on Celtic mythology. We had an essay due at the end, but usually, there is a test.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Histology
Course Department: Anatomy
Instructor: Dr. Helen Dodson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The material was a lot to take in for the time we had. It was half a semester course, except for the lab that ran all semester. The professor was caring and checked in on me often. Labs were simple and almost always computer work. 3 assignments for the lab and one lab test at the end was the examination for the lab work. One examination at the end for the material.
Credit Transfer Issues: