IFSA made the adjustment so easy!

I have traveled to Europe before with my family but had never lived in another country for a semester by myself. I was nervous that I would have trouble getting around the city, adapting to a new school, and immersing myself in another culture so quickly. The staff at IFSA and my point of contact, Heather, made me feel safe and supported at all times. She was quick to answer my whatsapp, whether it was a question about transportation or a pub recommendation.
The excursion planned by IFSA was also incredible. Unfortunately I was only able to go on one, because the other one was planned for the week after COVID hit Ireland. We went to Belfast as a study abroad group, and learned about the history of the Troubles, walked over a rope bridge and explored the culture in the city. The accommodations were terrific and the activities were diverse and exciting.
The English classes I took were necessary for my major at home. The classes were pretty difficult and required a lot of reading. However, the teaching was incredible, the classes were small, and the professors made the material very engaging. The professors were very responsive to my constant stream of questions over email and I am so grateful for my classroom experience. Registration day is hectic and stressful but luckily it all worked out.
I chose to study abroad with IFSA because I could only study abroad in either England or Ireland because of my major, and IFSA had well-established programs at both. I very much wanted to be immersed in the culture and attend an Irish institution, rather than travel with a study group from my home university. IFSA has worked with my home school for years and the study abroad director spoke highly of them. Overall, I loved getting to know locals, traveling to small Irish villages, attending pubs, meeting other students on my program and even attending class!