How to have the best craic! Past Review

By (English BA, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/23/2013 to 05/23/2013 with

University of Limerick: Limerick - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and gained self-confidence. I also learned a lot about the world and myself, along with the actual classes I attended. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would suggest it to anyone.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care is on campus and has good doctors, but much more expensive than at my home university. Also, no pharmacy on campus, which is a bit of a let down.

* Safety:

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)

Easy at first, but that last month is a kicker, especially if you travel while you're over here! Even if you think you won't need one, MAKE A BUDGET. It will help immensely.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 35 Euro, but it fluctuates.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget, budget, budget. I made the mistake of making one half way through the year--start early. Don't rely on the bar for alcohol, because those drink tabs do add up.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Community
  • Freedom
  • Friendly
* What could be improved?
  • Clarity with grading
  • Wifi in Apartment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The trip will affect you more than you realize. Also, your wallet will hate you more than you realize.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.