ASA was a 10/10 experience and I wish I could so it again! Past Review
By Kristina MacLennan (University of Tampa) - abroad from 01/21/2018 to 06/02/2018 with
Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland
It was sooo worth it! I learned a lot about Ireland, Irish culture, and just the world in general.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses I chose were not that rigorous but there are some rigorous courses if that is what you are looking for. The resources on campus and provided by ASA were extremely helpful and made the transition super easy and smooth. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on site coordinator for Dublin was an absolute DOLL! I loved Olwyn and she knew so much about Ireland and the university! Any question we'd had, she was able to answer it. She'd give us recommendations that were always great and gave us advice on anything if we needed it! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat with 6 other people. I had my own bedroom and bathroom with a shared little kitchen, dining area, and sitting area. My building also had it's own laundry room so that was super easy! |
| * Food: |
I bought all of my own food and prepared it in the little kitchen in my flat. There was an option for a meal plan but I omitted from it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most of the classes I took were completely Irish students and I even lived with a few Irish students as well. I went into Dublin frequently and our site director has such a great knowledge of Dublin that she really helped us immerse in the culture |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any real interactions with health issues. I had a stomach infection and went to the on campus health center and they were super helpful |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe in Dublin and Maynooth. Everyone is so helpful that if you're lost, you can easily ask anyone for help or directions. But as for any city or place, just don't go anywhere alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 very easy to live on a budget at Maynooth. Everything needed was within a quick walk away. I did travel a lot so I spent more money but that was on elected things. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget! I did not so I was spending money where it was necessary at first and I should have planed better |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would've known how fun it was so I could've done it sooner! |
