The year that changed my life Past Review

By A student (History, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 05/15/2015 with

Arcadia: Cork - University College Cork

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Studying abroad absolutely turned my life around. I decided to participate in a full academic year program because I was unhappy at school, and not in a healthy mental or emotional state. I knew I needed a change, and Ireland provided that and so much more for me. I met some lifelong friends in my program, especially because we all had one very important thing in common: an appreciation for culture and a thirst to explore the world around us. Traveling with people brings you closer than almost anything else can. The opportunity for cheap flights on weekends to continental Europe was consistently incredible. Ireland itself was stunning and provided endless moments of both reflection and adventure. Everyone was envious of me at the end of the first semester that I didn't have to leave! Nine months abroad might sound daunting, and it might not be the right choice for everyone, but I am so thankful I took the chance on it. I'm prepared to begin senior year at home with a renewed perspective and a gratefulness that I didn't have before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Very hands-off approach, let us do our own thing...usually good, in other cases, a bit of a hassle
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Apartments themselves were okay, but location was great: 5 minutes from city center, 10-15 minute walk to campus
* Food:	On campus dining not the best, but most meals are done independently
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	While abroad I got an infection. I went to the on-campus health center, which wasn't the most efficient, but I got a prescription and had it filled quickly at the local pharmacy.
* Safety:	Never felt unsafe in Cork, even alone at night
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 a livable place for students, but it can get expensive if you don't budget yourself...especially in a country where it's normal to go out to bars and clubs every night
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$70

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* 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
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?	People Opportunity for independence Weekend travel
* What could be improved?	More on-site involvement from program staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Sticking to a budget can be tough! Especially when you are coming from a place that provides everything you need, and going to a place where you are completely independent. It was a great learning exercise for life.

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Exploring World Music
Course Department:	Music
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Course Name/Rating:	Criminology: A History and Introduction
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Course Name/Rating:	Introduction to Anglo-Irish Literature
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Course Name/Rating:	The Literature and Culture of Ireland Through Time
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Course Name/Rating:	Sport and Society in Modern Ireland
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Course Name/Rating:	Nuclear Politics and Proliferation
Course Department:	History
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Course Name/Rating:	US Collective Memory, Intervention and the Impact of Vietnam since 1968
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Course Name/Rating:	Aspects of Irish Folklore
Course Department:	Folklore
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Instruction Language:	English
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Course Name/Rating:	Introduction to Modern Irish
Course Department:	Gaelic Studies
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Instruction Language:	Irish
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Course Name/Rating:	Culture and Ideology in 19th Century Europe
Course Department:	History
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