Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible" Past Review

By (Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/03/2015 to 01/17/2015 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It is very difficult for me to put my feelings about this trip into words. I had the most amazing, life changing experience. I learned so much about myself, my friends, and what kind of person I want to be. Before going to Ireland I always felt in a rush, frantic, and never had the chance to take a breath. Dublin taught me to calm down, see the beauty in the world, and that everything will be grand. Something that may seem simple and easy to understand, but its taken me 21 years to figure it out (and in a different country). This trip was more than worthwhile, I can't wait to return and see what else awaits for me in this magical place called Ireland.

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.

Overall, I would give my trip to Dublin 5 stars. The class I took at ACD was just as amazing, however, I wish we had more time to work on the scenes we performed. It was a lot to do in two weeks. Nonetheless, the class was engaging, interesting, and very informative.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I have never felt more safe while living away from home. I miss my housemates very much!

* 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)

I was very confident in my finances until I started to buy souvenirs for myself and my family at the end of the trip.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 250-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend what you can and have a great time. The worst feeling you can have is regretting buying, or doing something while you had the chance.

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
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The sightseeing
  • The culture differences
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More heat in the buildings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how sad I was going to be when I left.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.