A More Closely Linked World in After Study in Ireland Past Review

By (Business Administration, Illinois State University) for

Waterford Institute of Technology: Waterford - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The international study experience was extremely beneficial as I acquired knowledge and information abroad which could not be taught in any classroom. The quality of education was a little behind my US university, but as a whole I felt I learned more during this semester than I ever have. I have a new perspective of the world as a unified whole, instead of just limiting my future plans in the US.

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.

Waterford Institute of Technology's educational experience is far different that Illinois State University. Instead of focusing on covering up to ten or twelve chapters worth of material they primarily focus on going in depth about several topics. I definitely feel that there was more of a qualitative approach to learning rather than the quantitative method found at ISU. In general, I did enjoy learning in this fashion because instead of just skimming the surface of a subject I felt as though I walked away with more technical information about the material that was acquired.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The class size in all my courses were relatively small, at 10 to 50 students, but I found it to be a more personal experience. There were also around 220 international students in my program and it became relatively crazy for the small WIT international staff to deal with. Although it is a stressful job for them I felt that they loved what they did and met all of my needs in a quick amount of time. I was extremely satisfied with the International Office at the Waterford Institute of Technology and felt they did a great job.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing provided by Riverwalk Accommodation delivered all of the necessities for a study abroad student. They provided us with cookware, a security service, bedding, sheets, laundry, dryer, and showers. However, we were given the worst internet service which I have ever dealt with. It would work extremely slow during the hours of 8 to 4 and then outside of those hours would barely work, if at all. Some nights I could not even access the internet when I needed to for class, projects, or to get in contact with someone. Riverwalk also did not provide a TV in the apartment as was listed in the contract. As was stated before, they could not provide me with a refund of my overpaid money because it was in a locked account. Riverwalk truly provided the basic necessities for an international student. However, I lived in a complex filled with only international students so I found it very beneficial to meet people from foreign countries.

* Food:

I primarily ate average food purchased at grocery stores, such as Aldi, in my apartment but in Waterford City I would recommend eating "pub food" at Revolution Bar or at Geoff's Pub.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I traveled to nine different countries with my roommates and felt that each country offered its own unique positive aspect that I enjoyed. Students who study abroad in Ireland should be encouraged to utilize Ryanair and travel as often as possible, while maintaining strong academic standards. My program also hosted several events which were fun and allowed students, both international and domestic, to meet each other. I met several good friends through these programs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not notice any major health or safety related issues or incidents as my program school had an on-site health facility for students. There is a Doctor and nurses on-site and I believe it is in the range of forty Euros to see him or her. I would just recommend that students receive a flu shot prior to departure to avoid illness.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? During weeks in which I would not travel to foreign countries I traditionally spent around 50 Euro per week for food and leisure. When I would travel to other countries throughout Europe that total could range from 150 Euro for a 2-3 day trip, and all the way to 500-600 Euro for a week-long trip.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just as in the US, students can save a substantial amount of money by purchasing meals from grocery stores and preparing meals at their apartment or house in Ireland instead of ordering take-out. One unanticipated expense was my WIT card cost 50 Euro instead of the 15 Euro stated on the programs budget.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff
  • Culture
  • Students
* What could be improved?
  • Organization at WIT
  • Differences in Education
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As stated previously, students with a patient and open mind will benefit from this program the most. Students who study abroad in this program should just keep in mind that everything in Ireland and Europe gets accomplished at a slow pace. Therefore, upon return home to the US students will appreciate our culture better while having an understanding and respect for foreign culture.