Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life changing summer experience both in and out of the classroom. Past Review

By (HISTORY., Salem State College) - abroad from 05/21/2012 to 07/20/2012 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
During my time abroad I gain vital knowledge that will help me pursue my career as a history teacher through the various courses that I took. Also I gained a better understanding of myself and realized that I could survive on my own anywhere my life could bring me. Over all the experience was very much worth it and 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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had none but a few of the roommates did and they were handled just fine.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125

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 location of the school was central to all that we were learning about in the classroom. Which made it a fantastic learning experience.
  • The staff of the school were some of the best people and they made the transition easy.
* What could be improved?
  • The classes could be more intensified. Granted the classes were amazing and allowed me to learn a lot about Ireland's history but they could be a tad more demanding like any other class at a college.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would have been nice to know what the living arrangements were beforehand.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!