Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Absolute Best Time of My Life, a Memorable and Valuable Experience Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/17/2013 to 05/11/2013 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Ireland is a small country but gave me a sense of how big the world really is. First hand awareness with a culture is much different from reading about it. I made amazing friends from around the world and the program and people gave me a love for travel that I plan to indulge in as often as possible. I gained a sense of myself as an individual because I was no longer accustomed to my home and to connect with my new country I had to discover the customs and history on my own. I gained confidence from successfully taking care of myself abroad as well as becoming familiar with my surroundings. The day after I returned to the states I referred to Ireland as “home” and my entire family looked at me like I was crazy. Although it was a slip-up, I realize now it was true. Ireland became my second home and holds a special place in my heart. It is a beautiful country full of history, opportunities, and endless amounts of fun. Really though, there’s always something going on, the fun doesn’t end. Hands down the best experience of my life!

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.

Liberal Arts classes are laid back, finals worth usually 50% of grade

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Small school so all of administration are always available and know you personally

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Having the opportunity to live in the Temple Bar house can be stressful at times but a great way to meet a lot of international people that might not go to the school!

* Food:

Food in Ireland is very similar to American

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living and attending school in the city centre is the experience of a lifetime. You are constantly integrated into the Irish culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easy to have my prescriptions from home mailed to me. The school administrators were helpful if anyone needed to see a doctor.

* Safety:

You are in the city center. If you are responsible and aren't alone at night or anything then there isn't much of a reason to worry about safety. It's just about using common sense given the environment.

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 lived off of 100$ a week. That's about 75 euros. It's do-able

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to come with money for your visa AND trips if you plan on leavng the country.

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

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 people are incredibly friendly
  • English speaking country
  • The location!
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't like the percentage of finals on our overall grade
  • More general education classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Where I was living,

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.