Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Something I still think about two years later every.single.day. Past Review

By (History And English, Mount St. Mary's University) - abroad from 09/10/2011 to 12/10/2011 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A wealth of personal knowledge I can't ever fit into this little box. But I may be the biggest proponent of study abroad programs.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

RIGHT off of Grafton Street...ideal location!

* Food:

Mini fridge for five girls, so shopping daily but the "grocery store" was right down our alley

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

I saved up for years, and because of ryanair was able to travel to eight or so other countries on a budget.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Never splurge on food. Ever. It's never worth it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • apartment location
  • laid back school, and it being Oscar Wilde's house!
  • the Irish people!
* What could be improved?
  • hardly any contact two weeks before the trip made us all a little nervous
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TRUST in God. :) It always works out.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'