Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spectacular Past Review

By (Political Science and Criminal Justice, George Washington University) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/13/2015 with

Arcadia: Dublin - Trinity College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As a student leaving the United States for the first time, I realized that there was life outside of the US and realized that my options for the future did not have to be limited within the borders of the US. I also gained great friends and amazing memories. It was definitely 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.

I learned a lot from attending lecture at Trinity, however, I dislike the way in which I was graded with only one paper determining my grade for the semester. In addition, it was very difficult working with the Registry office at Trinity to enroll in classes during the first weeks of college.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff members of Arcadia were great! They made sure that all of the students had access to all of the information we needed, including how to work the buses and directions to and from Trinity. Additionally, they always welcomed students to come in and speak with them or use Arcadia's office as a study space.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were great and Rathmines was a wonderful neighborhood. Its locations was a bit of a walk from Trinity College, however, the walk was quite enjoyable.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated. I made friends with a lot of locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues with my health care, but the program directors gave us clear instructions on what to do if we were to get sick.

* Safety:

I felt very safe. I never once felt like I was in an uncomfortable position or felt uneasy walking around. In addition, the members of the Garda were very kind and helpful. I remember I got lost walking home my first night out in Dublin and a member of the Garda not only escorted me home, but helped me learn the area so I wouldn't have a problem the next time. It was extremely helpful.

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 very easy. Europe is expensive. However, I also, spent a lot of money on traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out. Cook food in your apartment. Also, save up spending money like I did before I went abroad. That way, I felt less guilty when I did spend more money on traveling.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Enrolled in courses with Irish students
  • Apartment and neighborhood
  • Their Belfast trip
* What could be improved?
  • Homestay
  • Assessment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much money I was actually going to spend.

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.