Best experience of my life! Past Review
By Kara B (English And Communications, Utica College of Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/18/2013 with
American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program
I gained a lot of self confidence and independence over my time in Ireland. I learned so much while I was here, both in the classroom and out of the classroom. I made so many new friends that I will be sad to leave behind, but I have a feeling this won't be the last Ireland will see of me! Definitely a worthwhile trip, and I recommend it to everyone!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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? |
|
| * Safety: |
Dublin is an extremely safe city. Once you get the feel of the area, it is very easy to navigate. The best way to find your way around is to simply walk around! |
| 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) |
Make sure you have a fairly strict budget set up before you go, because the exchange rates will make a difference to your wallet! Once you learn your way around it's easy to find cheap places to suit your needs. I found that I didn't get to travel as much as I would have liked because of my dwindling founds at the end, so make sure if you do want to travel to save enough money to do so! International travel is definitely more costly than I expected as well, so really keep an eye on your bank if you have a lot of plans to go international. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | N/A |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | See above. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's hard to say. Mostly, it's just best to go with an open mind and really do your best to experience all that your country has to offer. I wish I had known how quickly time would fly, and how hard it would be to leave. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
