Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life is good at University College Dublin Past Review

By (Media Studies, The Catholic University of America) for

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definetely learned about myself and met great people I will be friends with for a long time. I feel as if I always have a place to go to in Dublin.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University College Dublin
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.

I learned how to take a more relaxed approach to my academics, meaning not to get worked up and the work will get done. I also learned that I am more knowledgable about certain things, and that I can do close readings and come up with my own ideas.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad office of UCD was great. They were always planning events for international students and there to help with problems. The only thing was that they were kind of slow when answering problems. The first week, many students were not registered for classes because of someone retiring in the office. We weren't registered for another two weeks. They weren't worried about it though, although many students were. We quickly found out this was a part of the educational system and laid back attitude of the Irish. The problem was fixed, but not to the timely American way we were used to. Arcadia was the best. They planned great things for us as well. So helpful, always available in emergencies. Hayden, Dr. Ireland, Grainne and crew were the BEST!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Standard dorm, lived with international students. Would've liked to been with more Irish students, but many don't live on campus. Room was just enough, not too big or small, kitchen and living space. Bed was comfy and had a desk, and a small closet. <br /><br /> It was standard, would've liked to live with more Irish students.

* Food:

used to having a dining hall, so making my own meals was different.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great programs and trips planned by UCD and Arcadia. I also joined school organizations and had the best time with them!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health facilities right on campus and near a hospital. Didn't have any problems myself, but I knew people who did and they seemed fine. Always felt safe, usually had someone with me, but if not, I felt fine. Usually let my program advisor know if we wer traveling. They looked out for us especially when the volcano had many students stranded. They offered hostels through other Arcadia offices, emailed us how to get new flights, money back, etc.

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? Probably close to 100 euro a week, between food, going out, shopping, class work (making copies/books for class/library fees etc.).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Probably meals. Didn't realize I was making my own so much. Maybe a little more for traveling.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best advice I got was if an Irish student invites you somewhere or to there house for the weekend, just do it, don't question it. I really took that as a way to look at the whole experience. Just do everything, so questioned asked.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Reading Medieval Literature
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Comments: The course was interesting at first. The first few weeks the professor was great, funny, and engaging, but after midterm, the professors switched and the material no longer followed the syllabus. Literally had no clue what we were doing in class. It was pointless to even go. The material wasn't even necessary for the final.
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Irish Wars
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Comments: Pretty interesting, great to learn about the history of the country you were living in. Liked the use of both books and film.
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Twentieth Century Drama
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Comments: Great class, really interesting, had done some of the plays before so I was already familiar with the material. The instructor really prepared you for the final and made you think outside the box and come up with your own ideas,
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Contemporary Irish Society
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Comments: Pretty interesting, great to learn about the current status of the country you were living in. Liked the use of both books, art, and film. Really contemporary material, less than 5 years old.
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Representing Northern Ireland
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Comments: Pretty interesting, great to learn about the history of the country you were living in. Liked the use of both books and film. Art was also used which was really cool. I really enjoyed learning about the struggle that is still going on up North. Learning about it and then visiting it made it extra special.
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