I liked that it came with on-site residents and that there were excursions included with the trip fee.
It was great that my scholarships were able to transfer with the program. I also liked that there was an option other than Dublin to go to so I wouldn't be in such a big city.
AIFS had a contact person for once you were accepted into the program, I was able to ask her a lot of questions. They also put together a group on Facebook for all the people in the program so we were able to put questions in there so everyone would get an answer.
A pre-departure packet was provided about week before I left that had a lot of good information regarding what would happen when I got there. They helped me through a lot of it. I also used Pinterest as a resource for what I would need.
I had an awesome support system, and I didn't feel alone during any of it.
You don't need 5 sweaters. I know Ireland is cold and you think you will need a lot of warm clothes, but you will only end up wearing 3 on a regular basis.
Learn to do laundry. Bring enough clothing for 5-7 days. Seriously. I brought clothes that I didn't need, which just took up room in my suitcase.
Leave room for a lot of souvenirs. You will get a lot. Bring something from home. A stuffed animal, a shirt of your favorite sports team. Something that you can hold on to when you are feeling homesick.
Classes started at 9am and there were night classes that went until around 9pm. I never had a day that went from 9 to 9 though.
I had 2 classes in the morning then I would go home for lunch and then go back for my other class. I had labs and one class on Tuesday's and Thursdays.
On the weekends, I would go on an International Society trip to a different part of the country. Sunday I would spend some time on homework and just have a day to relax.
I would go into the city for groceries about every 10 days, and I used the convenience store near my house to supplement during the week.
Homesickness. I knew that I was going to be homesick. I am every time I leave home. I brought my favorite stuffed animal with me to remind me of home and I could hold when times were rough.
I also brought something that each of my parents had bought for me in the past. I brought a small thin blanket my dad had got me and a handkerchief from my mom. They fit in my suitcase easily but were also nice to have when I was feeling homesick.
I was able to have my iPhone there with me and was able to text and FaceTime with my parents a lot which helped significantly.
Kilkenny! It's a small city that reminded me a lot of the small town I am from. There are a lot of shops lining the streets and it was a fun place to hang out for the day. It was very relaxed and an enjoyable place to be. Makes for a great day trip.