Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision of my life Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown) - abroad from 05/20/2010 to 06/19/2010 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program taught me how to budget and live with people that were way different from me. I loved it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We were met at the airport and even given a short tour around Dublin. They were very friendly, always knowledgeable and supportive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They had housing available for us when we arrived. It was wonderful. St. Patrick's Cathedral was in my back yard!

* Food:

The food in Ireland is wonderful! ACD had a great little cafe that I often stopped in for tea or coffee.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I absolutely loved it. The Irish people are incredibly accommodating. When I stayed at a bed and breakfast, the owner knew a taxi driver who gave us a hugely discounted tour around the Athlone area.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with issue. I did not need any additional vaccines for the program.

* Safety:

The Garda were always nearby. I felt very safe, even at night. My flatmates and I got lost one night and, even though we were nervous, we had no trouble with anyone we met on the street. Of course, we followed basic safety precautions, but we still did not encounter any trouble.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

My flatmates and I worked together. We did not live beyond our means, but we did not need to go without. We always had food on the table and spending money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would say that we spent about $100 or more a week on food and expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Decide on a budget before you leave! To save money, do not spend more than you decide on. Talk to your roommate(s) and make plans for how you will pay for meals and other necessary things. Use a hat or a bowl and everyone pitches in: That's how we did it and it worked out perfectly.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable.
  • I also loved taking the field trips, especially in my History class.
* What could be improved?
  • The communication could have been a little better before getting there. (What to expect, who we were living with, etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely take more clothes. Most people over pack, but I definitely under packed. Also, plan on what money will be spent on books.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.