The Best 4 Months of My Life! - Queen's University Belfast Past Review

By (Communication, University of Cincinnati) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met people from all over the world and basically learned that people are just people no matter where you go. I definitely have future plans to travel again and visit some of the friends I made while studying abroad.

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.

The grading and class scheduling were much different than what I was used to. But it was really interesting and I got to take a lot of cool classes that aren't offered at my school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was great, we had certain trips already planned in to the study abroad experience and they were both amazing experiences. One was in Dublin and the other in Killarney, both totally different and really cool.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was like living in freshman dorms again, but it's legal to drink. Makes for some loud nights, especially on Thursdays but overall not too bad.

* Food:

We did all our own cooking, but the grocery store was really close and they had all sorts of different food to choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going on trips and just hanging out with the other international students was really great. We would have cookouts and parties and go to different areas around Europe. It was great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Sometimes Belfast gets a bad rap for being unsafe, but never once did I not feel safe. Everyone is super friendly and you don't even have to worry about getting pick-pocketed.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Introduce yourself to everyone and try and be as social as possible. I'm normally not a very social person, but everyone there is feeling just as uneasy as you are and it's really easy to just talk to people about where they're from. Jump right in to things and try not to say no to any social event. Before you know it you'll have a great group of friends and some great stories.