A Sometimes Challenging But Incredible Exploration of Celtic and Other Cultlure Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Providence College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/19/2013 with

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things about myself, that I am fully capable carving out a space for myself in a foreign area without anyone familiar nearby. I also was exposed to a taste of Irish culture and history.

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:

There were no food or cooking utensils provided, but the kitchen facility that was part of our housing was nice.

* 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? No

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? $150

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • They provided great resources and were great at answering questions
  • They organized affordable trips for students
* What could be improved?
  • They didn't provide many opportunities to meet Irish or other International students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to look outside of the students within the program to create relationships. I felt the program, for whatever reason, catered to a limited demographic of American students and I was hoping to be exposed to a more diverse community.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'