Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A memorable trip that I would take again Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/12/2016 to 06/29/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A love for Irish theatre, new food experiences, historical information, and a fun trip with some people who aren't returning to SFA. It was without a doubt worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class was very intensive as it only lasted 10 days, we reviewed the entirety of Irish history and multiple Irish plays. I feel very competent in my education, and I was able to apply it while I was in Ireland.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Rick and Sue became like parents to all of us while we were there. They made sure that we were safe and that we were attending all of the necessary events that had been planned.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The only thing that I might have liked more was if there was a place to store leftovers at the bed and breakfast in Galway, but because the woman who owned the bed and breakfast was absolutely amazing, I wouldn't for a second even suggest staying anywhere else.

* Food:

The food was possibly the best part about Ireland. I am a picky eater, and I took this opportunity to try all kinds of new foods. We were told that we couldn't eat any American fast food and I think that that was a very good idea, because there was so much to experience there, American food would have ruined it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was obvious that we were tourists, but everyone accepted us and made us feel very welcome. All of the tour guides, waiters, and shop keepers were so nice and had no problem with us being around. By the fourth or fifth day we were able to walk around Dublin without needing a map.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

The city was very, very safe. There were many homeless people, but they didn't harass or follow us. While walking around at night with some friends, many adults mentioned to us that we should keep our bags close to us and stay together. My advice to future students is exactly what some locals told us, to keep any purses or bags close to your body, and to stay in groups of 3 or more.

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

It was an amazing experience in an incredible country.

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)

Food was the most expensive thing that was being bought. The trip was expensive itself, and having to purchase two meals a day was very expensive, although it was worth it because the food was so delicious.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 450
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your money to buy things like Irish chocolate, local food, and drinks. You're not going to get home and say, "I wish I bought that leprechaun stuffed animal or T-shirt that says kiss me I'm Irish". You're going to be glad if you spend money on the delicious food. Stay away from Carrols Irish Gifts, it is a tourist trap. If you're going to buy a claddagh ring, wait until you get to Galway. For jewelry, wait to buy from a local vendor or small shop versus a commercialized store.

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

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the food
  • the history
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • MORE TIME THERE
  • making it clear that Ireland is COLD
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? IRELAND IS COLD. It is literally called the land of forever winter. Also, continental breakfast means nothing hot, only pastries and some gross looking fruit.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.