Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Reconnecting with my past to build on my future Past Review

By (English and American Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/02/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned to open up more. I enjoyed making friends and working in class with people who grew up across an ocean from me but were really quite similar.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? at least 100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? use budget food stores like Aldi or Lidl. Tescos and Super Value can get expensive. Buy a student bus pass and if you are out past 11:30 when the buses stop running, always have enough people to fill a cab and split the cost.

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

Required course in Irish (Gaelic)

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Meals with other beginner students

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • friends
  • classes
  • accommodations
* What could be improved?
  • societies/ clubs
  • transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? cost of living

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Chaucer in Context
Course Department: English and Drama
Instructor: Darragh Greene
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Lots of time for reading and discussion. Felt prepared for essay assignments
Credit Transfer Issues: No Credit Transfer Issues