Thanks to the Irish American Scholars Program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Though I rated the academic experience quite harshly, this is not to say I didn't enjoy my academic experience. I cannot expect other schools to be at the par of the extremely high standards of Centre College. I really enjoyed the new/different experience of academics there -- it broadened my knowledge of university life. A big difference to note is that there you just have 2 or 3 things (papers, projects, etc) that determine your entire grade -- do not procrastinate on these.

On-site administration of your program

The International Offices were extremely friendly and helpful!! They were very knowledable about our inquires. I didn't give them a 5 only because since there were 2 offices, it was hard to figure out which office you when to for which situation (and many of us often first went to the wrong one). Also, other Interational organizations (like the IFA, for example) were extremely welcoming and friendly as well!!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Much different that USA dorm living, but in a good way! The room was very clean and new-ish, there was a kitchen on every floor, and most rooms had their own bathroom (shower, toilet, sink). Though the room was quite spacious, there wasn't hardly any storage space (only shelves in the closet, only 1 drawer and 1 cabinet in the desk, and 1 tiny shelf in the bathroom). Also, it was annoying having to key into your dorm, and then into your hall, and then into your room -- it made it especially challenging to have surprise visits from frineds. <br /><br /> Location (Elms Village) was not so great - a good 20 minute walk from the academic buildings and a 40 minute walk to City Centre, which was no fun in the (practically constant) drizzle/rain. I also didn't like how they grouped together all the internationals into halls together - I would have rather been mixed in with the locals.

I made what I wanted, so of course I liked it, haha! The food in the local restuarants is pretty average - and I'm not picky about food. So if you ARE picky about food, do not expect to like most food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were SOOOO many activities, clubs, organizations, etc that were very welcoming for new members. Belfast, and other surrounding towns, have tons of festivals and such as well. Be sure to check out the Christmas festival on the lawn of the City Hall!

We learned that Belfast is now rated the #2 safest city in the world -- and I definitely felt this was true. Some of the locals felt it wasn't safe to walk around the city at night, but we believe this was an old mentality left over from when the city was going through "The Troubles". All the internationals felt completely safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• International Students

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• Local Students