I studied abroad for a semester in Galway, Ireland in Fall 2017. I went through ISA and had one of the best experiences of my life! ISA made the pre-departure planning process so easy and was so helpful with all of the questions I had. Once I arrived I felt 100 percent supported and eased into my new environment without any issues thanks to my resident directors. The housing I stayed in was comfortable and had everything I needed. I lived with someone from my program and other Irish students attending NUIG. It was the perfect environment to meet other irish and international students. My program had inclusive trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, a weekend in Dublin. It also hosted a number of events such as traditional music/dance sessions, story telling, and movie nights to learn more about the irish culture. I felt supported throughout my schooling in Ireland and our resident director was in contact regularly throughout my stay in case we needed anything. ISA was a pleasure to travel abroad with and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
What would you improve about this program?
An added meal plan or the option to add one would be a good improvement to this program. My program did not have a meal plan so that was something I needed to budget for. If it were included or participants at least had the option to add one on that would be useful so that meals was not something you would have to worry about!
