Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everything I Could Have Asked For Past Review

By (Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/14/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an incredible amount of insight into myself and into the society in which I was studying. I learned to enjoy moments, explore, and be flexible. My experience was absolutely worthwhile.

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.

Fantastic modules at Queen's, but my favourite class was far and above the CIEE course taken in affiliation with the QUB Institute of Irish Studies, an experiential learning course that incorporated readings, speakers, lectures, discussions, walking tours, "field trips," etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

QUB does not offer a dining/meal plan, so you must make your own food in the kitchen in your accommodation. Cookware is not included either, so be prepared to buy cooking supplies and food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All QUB students are eligible for National Health Service cards and treatment. All health care is free of charge for students who apply to NHS.

* Safety:

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

Absolutely. I loved every moment of being abroad. I received amazing support from my home university, my host university, and CIEE. I participated in university/student organisations; learned an exceptional amount about the history, politics, culture, and people of the area; and I fully experienced Belfast.

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)

Belfast uses the British pound as its currency, which generally has a less favourable exchange rate with the US dollar than the Euro, for example.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't bother with public transportation! Belfast is a very walkable city, and public transportation expenses add up (and buses are not very timely!).

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
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • CIEE experiential learning
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather in Belfast can be tough - it rains often (not quite as much as rumours claim) and is quite windy; also in the fall and winter, there are fewer hours of light than I was used to in Boston.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.