Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The "Corkie" Way Past Review

By (Western State Colorado University) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/07/2016 with

Arcadia: Cork - University College Cork

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It's difficult to explain what singular thing I gained/learned from this experience because its impossible to narrow down. I've grown as a person with a more global perspective. I would sign up to do this again in a heartbeat because studying abroad inspires people to become part of a global community promoting positive cultural language, food, and traditions.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Cork - University College Cork Photo Arcadia: Cork - University College Cork Photo Arcadia: Cork - University College Cork Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-250 euro a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find a credit card that doesn't have a foreign transaction fee. I paired up with my mom's credit card, so I had access to a credit card without a foreign transaction fee. Take cash amounts from ATMs in large sums to also avoid ATM fees from your home bank.

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

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The available support from Arcadia
  • The concern for safety in continental Europe while traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Updated local information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing-wise, I would've brought a few different items had I realized the actual weather forecast ranging from January to May for the host country.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!