Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Community Engagement in Ireland was Life Changing October 08, 2026

By (University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 06/10/2026 to 07/25/2026 with

WorldStrides Community Engagement in Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am very adaptable in new situations. I was able to strengthen my patience and communication skills. This trip was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not take traditional college courses and instead completely weekly critical reflections. These reflections were valuable and make me think about the work I was doing and how this experience was beneficial to me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were few excursions, and I rarely saw our advisor expect during excursions or during discussion meetings

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was great! There were five of us in our apartment, and we each got our own bedrooms. The place was fully furnished including dishware. Cleaners came by weekly to clean and give us fresh linens and towels.

* Food:

Food was not included in program, but I was able to easily walk to the grocery store

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to easily walk to the city center and main street. It was great having easy access to the city. Working at a local agencies also allowed me to connect with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never needed health care

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe trying my trip. People were respectful, and I could walk alone without anyone bothering me.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Galway was an amazing city. I loved working at a local agency, and I met the most incredible people. Even though there were some challenges, I would do it again.

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)

It was sometimes difficult budgeting, especially with having to pay for all of my own meals

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a weekly budget, I wish I did

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Making new friends
  • Connecting with the clients I served
  • Having independence to travel
* What could be improved?
  • More communication from program staff
  • More excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I did not have to worry about not becoming friends with people. I also was able to navigate traveling without too much issue.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.