Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I learned to appreciate all cultures and met tons of people I will never forget. Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/04/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

Waterford Institute of Technology: Waterford - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Irish way of life and a lot about German culture from my two German roommates. I had a lot of fun, met a lot of interesting people, traveled to 5 countries, and managed to get some credits.

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.

The classes were overall easier than any of my classes at ISU but I still enjoyed them and felt like I got something out of them. They have a very laid back style of education.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international office staff is extremely helpful. They have a lot of international students to deal with so sometimes I had to be patient with them but I always got what I needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Riverwalk. The apartments are not the nicest but they provide everything you will need for the semester. The best part about living in Riverwalk was being able to meet a lot of exchange/erasmus students. There were students from all over the world.

* Food:

The food took some adapting to but I managed to find good food. There were four different grocery stores within walking distance of my apartment so that was nice. I would recommend going to Geoff's Pub and getting some food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Right away I met a lot of Irish students and other international students. We would all go out to the Pubs and plan trips, parties,...etc. By the middle of the semester I felt very integrated with the local culture as well as the cultures of many other international students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe in Waterford. I walked home by myself on occasion and had no problems.

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)

I would say I probably spent 30 euro per week when in Waterford. On trips it varied from 100-150 euro for weekend trips in Ireland to 300-1,200 euro for a 7-10 trip outside of Ireland.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 30 euro while in Waterford
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend a ton of money at the Pubs and try not to spend too much time in the UK. The exchange rate of the pound to the dollar gets really expensive.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The large amount of international students.
  • The friendly culture.
  • The flexibility I had so I could travel.
* What could be improved?
  • Organize the class selection process better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm happy with not knowing everything before I went. I learned a lot by being clueless and just asking questions.