Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worthwhile Trip to a Beautiful Island!! Past Review

By (University of New Mexico) - abroad from 06/30/2016 to 07/16/2016 with

Ireland Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the Irish culture and how Europe differs from the US. I gained many skills in how to engage in the community and how to respect cultural differences. It was 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.

Absolutely incredible! Very engaging courses with a lot of hands on activities in both Service Learning and in Medieval studies. The pacing was spot on, and I wished we could have been there longer!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our hosts were very gracious and treated us well. We were respected as peers and colleagues. i had an amazing time working with our hosts and meeting with them outside of activities as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was excellent! We had our own rooms that were way better than any dorm I've been in! I think the only way to top that was to get an apartment, which wasn't necessary for the course.

* Food:

The food was wonderful. We mostly ate at restaurants in the area and had some of the best food in town. Even the local gas station had good food! I cannot compare to Albuquerque at all. Excellent!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I could move in to the area right after the course. Sadly we didn't have a lot of time there, but even with what we had, we learned a great deal about the culture and our city that we stayed in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We knew the gist of how healthcare worked there, and what to do in an emergency. No one had any serious health problems so we didn't have any direct interactions with the healthcare industry.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe during the course. By the end, I was comfortable to walk alone through the city. Our guides were very helpful in pointing out the safest places to go and who to trust. I never once felt threatened there.

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)

It was pretty easy to stay there on a low budget. I had allotted 500 dollars for the time I was there and used all of it in either cash or credit. The total cost of the trip was cheaper through UNM than if I had scheduled it on my own.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 20 dollars a week on food (not including gifts).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would highly recommend saving at least 400 dollars for any and all expenses on this trip. Buying food and toiletries are pretty cheap, so most of the money can be spent to getting souvenirs or other gifts.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 history
  • The culture
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Extend trip time
  • Better hostel accommodations
  • Space activities more
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew exactly how the weather worked in Ireland prior to leaving. I was caught a little off-guard. I wish I knew how much I would be walking the entire trip.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'