Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing adventure without regrets Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/15/2019 to 12/15/2019 with

API (Academic Programs International): Dublin - Trinity College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In my experience, study abroad programs teach you lessons that no one can ever tell you; you have to experience them to learn. This was the most independent I have ever been in my life and it gave me a whole new perspective in life. I feel more prepared for adult life and for a balanced life than before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had the most amazing experience. I had an amazing study abroad advisor, both at my home university and through the API program. Wiht any issue that arose, they were supportive and created a family-feeling abroad. Trinity as a university was amazing and really gave a different educational perspecitve.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I can't speak enough to how helpful and friendly the API staff was!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Social and cultural integration is all up to you! The program assists you and giver you opportunities but the rest is up to you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Medicine is always going to be different in the country in which you are visiting. I woud suggest bringing a stock of your home countries medicine, though it was incredibly easy to schedule a doctors appointment and get the medication I needed in Ireland. The only consideration is that it is more expensive on average to recieve care or purchase medication.

* Safety:

I had one experience with someone trying to steal my phone, but as long as you follow general city precautions, Dublin is a very safe city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would definetely go with API again, they provided such amazing side trips and were really attentive. I also fell in love with Dublin, but I would definetely be open to another host city.

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)

Like any city, Dublin is expensive and you really have to budget if you are low on funds and want to eat in resturants or drink, but it ins completely managable.

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? Most of my spending was early on, when I was enjoying the shopping, drinking, and coffee culture of Dublin. Being budget concious early on will make your last month a lot less stressful.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Side trips
  • Trinity College
  • sense of freedom
* What could be improved?
  • housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to everything! Honestly even the worst sounding expereince teach you so much and eventually turn into hilarious stories to tell.

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.