Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye Opening Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/31/2019 to 12/20/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and it afforded me an outside perspective of America’s impact on the rest of the world.

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.

I felt the academics was lacking in resources. The professors did not understand that some students were international and majoring in other disciplines.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API is an amazing program provider. The scheduled trips allowed me to view all of Ireland and other European countries.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were on par with American dorms.

* Food:

Having to take public transportation due to lack of options on campus was an adjustment.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt disconnected from the local culture. Most local students commute.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My infection was treated right on campus for 25 euros. However I had to wait three weeks to be seen. I was sick on and off throughout the entire program.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Ireland.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would definitely choose API again, but University College Dublin I felt did not have adequate resources or understanding for international students.

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? Roughly $100 a week but it fluctuates.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying groceries and cooking your own meals is a great way to cut costs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • API excursions
  • Traveling Europe
  • Connecting with students from other countries
* What could be improved?
  • More Healthcare Resources
  • Communication in a timely fashion
  • Pre departure Grading conversion explanation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the UCD philosophy about waiving grades for freshman students that is reflected in the professors attitudes for first year level courses. I wish I knew that Ireland had issues with mumps contaminating their water supply.

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.