A beautiful sightseeing adventure Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 06/13/2012 with

University of Limerick: Limerick - Summer School Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I saw a beautiful country filled with way more history than the US. Europe in general has a much longer and complex history than the US and it was amazing to be able to see such amazing depth.

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.

During the course it was obvious that they taught it knowing the majority of the students time would NOT be done studying. It was a three week summer program with excursions and fun. The classes were intriguing, but not challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were two main ladies, Laura and Margarette, that were in charge of the study abroad students during our three weeks in the program. They were nice, but not always on the same page. Laura was not helpful in academic questions regarding the transfer of credit, but did well to ensure all the students were taken care of and present during all programs and excursions in Ireland. Margarette was more a chaperone on the trips than anything else. She was nice and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms we stayed in were called Cappavilla Village and they were wonderful. Each flat had 6 bedrooms with their own bathrooms and then a shared living area with tv and a shared kitchen. Maids would bring fresh towels and toiletries every other day and change the sheets once a week. Also, they stocked the kitchen with breakfast items, like orange juice, milk, cereal, bread, jelly, yogurt etc.. every day!

* Food:

The food available on campus was somewhat limited. You're given vouchers for your meals and 3 places accepted them. The problem is that they usually close at between 5-7 so after that you had to eat bar food or order food with your own money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not at all. Because it was during the summer, the majority of people around were other international students. But it was a great way to see Ireland because we went on different excursions included in the program cost.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They weren't addressed unless you needed specific attention.

* Safety:

You were given an emergency number and expected to stay with at least one other student. Mostly your own safety was up to your common sense, but I never felt unsafe.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 0

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The freedom
  • The planned excursions that took you to different parts of the country
  • The other students
* What could be improved?
  • The food accomodations
  • Night time events for the visiting students
  • More interaction with local people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Irish time is very laid back.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Screening Ireland

Course Department:
Instructor: Emma Bidwell and Bernie McCarthy
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This film course was interesting and taught about different aspects of film: sexuality, gender, history, editing and filming techniques. etc. It was taught in a way that gave opportunities to interact in class or to just observe. Fun setting, not very challenging though. There were no field trips relevant to the class, but both teachers were very knowledgeable and prepared.
Credit Transfer Issues: