Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The craic is real Past Review

By (Communcations - Film and Media, Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/10/2014 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Growing up in this generation as Americans we tend to live in our own little bubbles with little perspective on the world around us. Whether it be a town, a city, or an area such as New England we don't often look outside that little bubble. During my experience abroad I grew an understanding for how big the world around us really is and all that we are able to see/do. That being said it was much more than worthwhile.

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?

* 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? 100-125 depending on alcohol purchase
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Enjoy yourself, even if that means making a few phone calls home. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The accommodation
  • The social atmosphere
  • The culture, the Irish are amazing people
* What could be improved?
  • A more diverse range of classes
  • More school events
  • Opportunities to travel through the college
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Looking back on it I couldn't be more grateful with the friends I made through the accommodation. However, going into the experience I had little to no understanding of what I was getting myself into, but I that was the beauty of it. Arriving at the house can be a bit of a shock to some, although I noticed opinions change with time.