Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Craick! Past Review

By (Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 01/18/2014 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence and a desire for independence. The Irish culture is so much more laid back than America, and it was a welcome relief. I want to see as much of the world as I can now.

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.

It left enough time to see the city and countryside, but it was definitley challenging and incorporated several elements that I had studied in the U.S..

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Colim, the Dean of students and our administartor, tour guide and drinking buddy was AMAZING. Such an entertaining, laid back, and worldly person. He had an answer for just about any question we could ask.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were FANTASTIC. Kanta, the house-mother was fantastic and made great food. She took great care of use and was always accomodating to our needs. The only problem was that one of the housemates who was living there year-round was prone to staying up and partying late, which was sometimes a bother, even though he was a great guy.

* Food:

Kanta is an amazing cook! She changed my whole understanding of ramen noodles.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very much so, Colim did a great job of informing us, and everyone we met in the city was very personable.

* 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)

It was tough! You have to BUDGET, otherwise you WILL spend way more than you expect, especially on alcohol.

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? FIND THE DEALS ON PINTS. It will save you sooo much money. If you have never drank abroad, don't worry about trying everything, those nice German beers will eat your wallet alive.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Colim Cronin
  • Our House Mother
  • The Beer!
* What could be improved?
  • Longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? SAVE MORE MONEY. And plan your traveling excursions, at least where you'll go and how you'll get there, its much cheaper.

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!