Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Gained so much information about ethno-national conflict resolution Past Review

By (Psychology/Anthropology, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/17/2013 to 01/10/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much valuable information about Northern Ireland's ethno-national conflict and gained insight into their politics, culture, society, sociology, etc. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in peace and conflict studies!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

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? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to keep a budget and calculate the pound to dollar conversion each time you make a purchase because over a long period of time, the pound/dollar difference can really add up!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • CIEE directed independent research
  • CIEE field-trips and classes about the local history and culture
  • direct enrollment into Queen's University Belfast
* What could be improved?
  • more field-trips/classes that give insight into both sides of the conflict
  • more availability of weekend homestays with local families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about my own American culture before going abroad so that I could speak to them more about it and it wouldn't have been as much of a cultural shock meeting Americans from all over the US. Honestly though, UOP's Cross Cultural class was so helpful that I felt really prepared.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!