Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience in one of the most funnest and friendliest cities! Past Review

By (Providence College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/13/2012 with

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained and learned so much from my experience abroad. I not only learned that I was independent enough to live by myself in a place where I knew no one, I also learned how to travel on my own and to not be afraid to take a few risks and experience new things. I believe that it was all worthwhile and would do it again. I learned that the Irish are a friendly and inviting group of people and I hope to return to Ireland as soon as possible.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go crazy the first few weeks you are there. Budget your money so you will still have some left at the end if unplanned trips and activities come up.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Taking classes with local students
  • Getting to live with both international students from all over the world and local students from Ireland
  • Getting the real Irish college experience instead of just an international student experience
* What could be improved?
  • The communication between the programs and the school itself, sometimes it felt like they didn't know we where there or knew what was going on
  • It would be nice if they set up more day and weekend trips around Ireland for all the people in the program
  • The program could also let students know about more activities and things happening in the city which they may be interested in.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that people were not exaggerating when they talked about the weather in Ireland. It does rain almost everyday at some point and that could get a little depressing and frustrating. I also wish I knew how to cook for myself a little more. I felt very inadequate compared to my international roommates who cooked full meals for them selves three times a day.