Becoming a student at UCD Past Review
By Nancy B (English And Communications, Fordham University) for
Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin
Absolutely. I learned so much about Irish culture and people and also European lifestyles. It did not change my academic or future plans, but definitely allowed me to gain a more worldly view and appreciate America more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Every class is a lecture and most lecturer's will not know your name. This was the biggest difference between UCD and Fordham. Also, in the grading system how you only receive two grades, it causes a lot of pressure on those two exams. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really liked how after orientation Arcadia had one activity a month for us. It was not overbearing at all and they let us completely immerse ourselves at UCD, but then the once a month dinner or trip gave us something to look forward to and a mini reunion with the entire program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very safe neighborhood. lived with 4 Irish girls and 1 American girl (not from my program). I brought sheets and towels with me and a comforter, pillow and lamps were provided. |
| * Food: |
I mostly cooked for myself, but I know Ireland is very aware of Gluten-free diets. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Arcadia taught us how to play Gaelic Football and Hurling which was a lot of fun. Also, Arcadia brought us to Belfast and had professors speak to us about the political problems of Northern Ireland. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was a clinic on campus, like Fordham. The first time I went I had a great experience, but the second time I was sick the doctor insinuated that I was exaggerating my symptoms even though I was running a high fever and clearly was ill. Arcadia sets up health insurance for us for the time abroad. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 75 euro, sometimes more because I traveled. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent the first month rationing my money, but I realized, I will only live in a foreign country once in my life, I might as well enjoy it (but obviously I did not go crazy, I just didn't miss opportunities because it cost money). The unanticipated expenses were travelling to and from the airport. I never really thought it through and it cost 14 euro round trip, which isn't too bad, but once at your destination it cost more money and 14 euro adds up over time. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student willing to step away from other Americans and live with and like an Irish student. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Ireland Uncovered |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Eoin Kinsella |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | About Irish culture. Every class had a different lecturer who specified in the topic being taught. It was very interesting. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
