National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUI)

1. go by your self, apply to your school as an independant, host country (Irish in my case) matriculating student. Dont take American courses, taught in American fashion with fellow American students. 2. Know that every counrty in the world does NOT idolize you because you are an american and they do not think that your country is the best just because that is what has been ingrained in YOUR head since day one. In fact, the very opposite is more likely to be thought. Therefore, before you enter the boundaries of a foreign land, leave behind any baggage that contains arrogance or haughtiness because it will not be well recieved or respected. 3. Do not cash in all your money at once get travelers checks and change them in as you go along because the conversion rate changes 4. do not buy a cell phone, use calling cards, you'd be surprised how often you call another country(or home) when you have a phone so easily at your disposal 5. Studying a borad was the best experience in my life I met the most amazing people who not only took me into their homes (throughout the country) but became part of my extended family. Ten of those people traveled back to the US with me (most of them for the 1st time) to stay in my home town for a summer. I still talk to them almost everyday and forever will rely on the connectins I have made while studying abroad on my own. It is an unforgettable rewarding in too many ways to write experience. Everyone should try it, but please be open to cultural differences and do not denounce or be-little them, Rather appreciate and repsct them and the people in turn will show you the same treatment.

Ireland is a beautiful and fun place. The culture here is great! I would recommend studying in Galway rather than Maynooth. Galway also has a great student atmosphere but its much bigger and there is much more to do there.

I 've stayed 10 months, good experience, i travelled quite a lot around the country,