Past Review

By (BA Media Studies, The Catholic University of America) for

Queen's University Belfast: Belfast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the ability to look at my own culture more objectively. A lengthy visit in a city with which I had already visited a few times helped to confirm that I would like to live there in the future. I am now working on applying for a postgraduate course in Belfast and preparing to move there permanently.

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.

Although the curriculum did not seem as challenging as my home university, each course still gave the students opportunities to do as well as they wanted to do. While some students took a laid back approach and did only what was necessary, I was still able to pursue my own interests further. I'd suggest this kind of atmosphere to a student who likes to investigate things on his or her own, as independent learning is the most effective way to gain anything from the classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The university as a whole was very slow to return emails or phone calls. I waited all semester to hear back from the International Office regarding my permission to work. Because of their lack of response regarding a visa complication, I was unable to get a job and suffered financially.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with my fiance at his house approximately 6 miles from Belfast city centre. <br /><br /> I lived with my fiance in Carryduff, Belfast, which is a short bus trip from city centre. I thoroughly enjoyed not being in the heart of the city and having a bit of quiet. At the same time, the city was very accessible to me, and I could independently go wherever I wanted using public transportation.

* Food:

I find food in the UK to be much more nutritious and less processed than American food. Plenty of variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My "program" did not offer any field trips or bonding experiences after orientation, but the city provides plenty of opportunities for going out and enjoying local culture.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I took one trip for groceries every three weeks and paid approximately 30 GBP for food and household necessities.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep in mind that bus fares are much cheaper if you buy a multiple trip bus card rather than paying your fare daily.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid of Belfast because of what you have read in the newspapers or seen about the Troubles in movies. It is a thriving city and they are trying their hardest to give the place a new image. It is much cheaper to live in than Dublin, and I find the people to be much more down to earth and welcoming to visitors.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Irish Literature

Course Department: ENG 2081
Instructor: Dr. Fran Brearton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Heavy load of weekly reading, but lectures and tutorials were very interesting. I loved taking Irish Literature while in Ireland, especially because the lectures often tried to tie the fiction to the historical context of the country when it was written.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Politics in a Media Culture

Course Department: PAI 1005
Instructor: Dr. Agar
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The content of the course was interesting, but the sometimes the lecturer seemed unfamiliar with the material. He mispronounced a lot of common media studies terms, and when reading the slides he seemed unsure of some information. The tutorials were awkward and a waste of time. Interesting topics, but did not go very in-depth.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Film and Sound

Course Department: FLM 2014
Instructor: Dr. Liz Greene
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting and laid back class. Lecturer was extremely flexible regarding a scheduling conflict I had. Each class consisted of a screening, lecture, and discussion groups for 5 hours once a week.
Credit Transfer Issues: