Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing. Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/11/2016 to 07/29/2016 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - SFA Theatre in Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely it's worthwhile. Not just from a theatre perspective, but it really broadened my view of the world. There is another piece of history (that they don't typically teach in the American school system) that I am rather knowledgeable. This is going to become invaluable with the world economic ongoings and the upcoming election. Also, being in another country is always a good reminder that the whole world isn't like Nacogdoches, Texas. There are different customs, different schools of thought and it's absolutely important to see that. Just talking to the artistic directors over in Ireland, they conduct their theatre production matters very differently. In fact, their process was something I never could have dreamed up.

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.

Excellent academic rigor, the course was not easy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The people we met for this program (i.e. John Nee, Kristian, Willy White et al.)

* 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

I mean, what's not to love? It was a great experience, we saw and read some great plays. The history was amazing and we practically got to relive it. The experience was unforgettable.

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)

It's just expensive, but it's not as though that came as a surprise to anyone. We all knew how much it was going to cost from the very beginning.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you really want to save money, do it in food. Buy some bread and peanut butter and eat a sandwich for lunch. That being said, EAT THE FREE BREAKFAST. Just get up early so you can save some money and have a good breakfast. Also, don't buy anything you don't need. This might seem like a given, but only buy something if you know you'll still want it when you get back.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Above all I loved getting out to see the countryside. It really helps give you a picture in your head for the plays read earlier in the course. Also, it's just beautiful.
  • Going to Thoor Ballylee was awesome. They had never let anyone in before, but they had a museum and a tour of Yeat's castle and they told stories about his personal life. Not to mention the grounds are beautiful.
  • I really loved going to the historical sites like Kilmainham Gaol. Very striking, it really brought the history to life.
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would not have packed any warm weather clothing. I thought perhaps it would warm up enough to wear a tank top or some sandals but they were really just a waste of space.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.