A Magical Experience in Beautiful Ireland Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There were many differences in the Irish way of teaching verses the American way. I was not used to these differences at all and did not expect my academic experience to be as it was. I am used to having very close relationships to my professors and smaller classes. The classes at the University of Limerick were huge and the teachers did not have a one on one relationship with their students. Their teaching methods were also quite different. There was not as much class interaction and participation as I was used to. The work load was also much heavier than what I am used to in the states. The assignments were graded very harshly and the exams were much more challenging. There were also two sections to each class- a lecture and a tutorial. This was very different as well. As much as I enjoyed my classes in Ireland and learned a lot it was definitely much different than what I had expected and what I was used to.

On-site administration of your program

Everything about the journey for me to be able to study abroad went wonderfully. The study abroad office for SUNY Purchase is absolutely fantastic. Everything was extremely organized and put together. My study abroad counselor through Purchase was amazing. I was not sure if I was able to have the experience of studying in Ireland because of my financial situation. She reassured me, believed in me, and showed me that it was possible. She was there every step of the way and helped make my dreams of being able to go abroad reality. My study abroad counselor through SUNY New Paltz was also extremely helpful and supportive. She answered every question I had with extreme detail (and believe me, there were a plenty). Her information was accurate and she was extremely knowledgeable about the program. My study abroad experience would not have been possible without either study abroad counselors. They were just wonderful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an on campus apartment at the University of Limerick. The apartment village was called Plassey Village and it was a bunch of mini houses with both a downstairs and an upstairs. I lived with both American students as well as International students from all over Europe. There were eight of us. The neighborhood was lovely and it was very easy to be able to meet other students since the apartments were in such close proximity. The walk to campus and the on campus pubs only took around fifteen minutes which was very nice. The city, where all of the night life took place, was also very easy and convenient with just a ten minute bus ride. We were provided with mostly everything, including bed sheets, blankets, and kitchen appliances. My housemates were just wonderful and we all formed a very quick bond. We will always keep in touch.

At the University of Limerick every student living on campus was provided with their own kitchen and appliances. I took full advantage of this and went grocery shopping once a week. I usually eating ate at home with my housemates. However, the campus also had plenty of restaurants and coffee shops which the students could go to and socialize. The food on campus is excellent and not too expensive. There are many cute pubs with good food, coffee shops with pastries and soups, as well as restaurants with great food made to order. At the University of Limerick I would suggest eating at either the Library Cafe, Subway, or the restaurant right next to the living bridge.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During my experience abroad in Ireland I was able to explore so much of Ireland its surroundings. There were not many events arranged directly by my program, however, I was able to do so much on my own. My favorites in Ireland included exploring the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and all of the different castles. It was so amazing being able to explore the country I had always dreamed of going to. It is also so easy to get around Europe so I was able to explore many of Irelands surrounding areas as well. I have so many memories which I will never forget.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The safety in Limerick has a bad reputation. However, I never once did not feel safe in the city of Limerick or at the University. The people are extremely friendly and there is no reason to ever not feel safe. However, like all cities there are incidents that have happened and that can happen. I would suggest never walking around the city of the University alone at night. Always have someone with you and do not walk around late at night. Take a cab. I also, never had an experience with healthcare. Everything went quite smoothly.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Other