Great experience, but would not go back. Past Review
By A student (National University of Ireland, Galway) - abroad from 06/09/2019 to 07/26/2019 with
Ireland Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Great work/research internship skills. Experienced a different culture and made more friends from Lehigh. I think it was 100% worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt like there was not much help once we were thrown into what we were supposed to be doing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Not good at all, the kitchen did not work. We were supposed to have a kitchen so we could make food but ours did not work. |
| * Food: |
The food in general abroad was good but I am a picky eater. Also everything was super expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not really, for the most part we integrated with other American schools. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experience with this. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe place, never was scared or anything. Even when I was alone on runs or something. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved it, but next time I just want to go somewhere else. |
Finances
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* 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 is do-able. I did it, but you just have to be careful. That means that if everyone else goes out for every meal just be aware of what you are spending and if you actually need like 800 shirts or magnets that are exactly the same. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150ish |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You don't have spend money when everyone else is. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
There was one class. Mostly an English speaking country. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | na |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A better packing list/ pack lighter on the way there so you can easily bring things back. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
