Studying Abroad in Galway was Incredible! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: Galway - National University of Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredible! I really appreciate how relaxed the Irish culture is but they are a ways behind America when it comes to social justice and issues like racism and sexism. It made me appreciate America a bit more but I definitely could see myself living in Ireland someday!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was extremely reasonable and manageable for the program. I was able to get homework and assignments done very easily and it did not hinder my trip whatsoever.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was great having time to see Galway and enjoy the city. I wish classes would have ended a bit earlier in the day so I could enjoy more of my day in the city.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food is expensive over there. I ended up eating out much more than I thought I would.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the surfing day trip I did in Ireland. I also really enjoyed traveling to Cork, Kinsale, Middleton, and Cobh one weekend. that was a great weekend getaway to partake in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We heard a lot by locals that it was not safe to walk from City Centre back to our apartments near the NUIG campus at night time...even if we were in groups. A lot of us girls did on a regular basis and never had any problems, but we did hear stories of bad things happening in and around our apartment complex.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Irish Culture
  • Getting to know my faculty on a more personal level
  • Traveling with all females - it was empowering
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe just a bit less classtime, or start earlier in the day.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would say to definitely do it! I would be a bit more frugal with money than I was because I did run out of spending money by the end of my trip. Travel on the weekends and enjoy the city centre and culture as much as you possibly can in Galway!