Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I found my second home across an ocean, Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/19/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be completely independent. If I made a mistake I alone had to fix it or figure out what to do. It made me realize that I can do anything, The experience was completely 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

My API director in Dublin is one of the best people I have ever met. One of the best parts of my experience!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were very livable. The showers were small but the kitchen was nice.

* Food:

I had to make my own constantly, and when I did buy it was expensive. Just prepare to spend money!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like Ireland was my second home by the time I left.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Dublin. Sure there are some questionable areas, but they are no where near all the places I went.

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)

Ireland is crazy expensive, especially in Dublin.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a student leap card for the buses and make a lot of your own food. Groceries are cheaper than constantly eating out!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • My program director (Eimear!)
  • Excursions (Scotland!)
  • Cultural Events
* What could be improved?
  • Living arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget well.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'