A four month experience I will never forget! Past Review
By Rachael C (Journalism., Roger Williams University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/14/2012 with
University of Limerick: Limerick - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was worthwhile. I learned that I can be very accepting of other peoples cultures...I lived with four Irish males and they reminded me everyday that I was American. It made me realize how many opportunities I have in America. I gained a better sense of direction because I was always navigating around cities that were new to me.
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. |
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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? |
Spacious living space |
| * Food: |
Good variety |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare at th university was easily accessible and there were pharmacies nearby if I needed anything for health issues. |
| * Safety: |
There was always public safety patrolling around campus and keeping the campus safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 was more expensive learning in Ireland versus somewhere in the U.S. but I budgeted my money and adapted to the economy pretty quickly |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably between 150 to 200 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Yes, buy towels and sheets at the country you are studying in and grocery shop with other members in the house or apartment and split the cost. |
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 |
Irish is a dead language in most of Ireland. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took the Gaelic language just as an elective so I was not requirement to complete any level |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I actually used Rosetta Stone. It helped with pronunciation. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | Flights from Ireland to mainland Europe are extremely expensive |
