Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Marketing., Providence College) for

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was 100% worthwhile. I realized that I can live independently and manage a practical budget. I made friends who I will talk to for the rest of my life. I am exceptionally grateful for the American Academic system and technology.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I am an A student. I did not appreciate that my efforts, which were SIGNIFICANTLY greater than any of the Irish students went unnoticed. It was actually torturous to slave away at a paper, not really understanding what one has to do and be unable to ask anyone about it. I TRIED to talk to my professors about what I should do, and they told me I was 'doing just grand'. Receiving Cs on essays is unacceptable for me. I received grades that were considered by the Irish to be perfectly fine because they were passing grades. The Pass/Fail system destroyed my GPA. It was very frustrating to go from PC, where you are continuously evaluated to this system where you MIGHT have to submit an essay at the midterm.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia was great in a social respect. They took us out to dinner and took us on trips. Grainne, Hayden, and Colin were all exceptionally helpful and really wonderful people. The academics were awful with course credits transferal, etc. It was VERY difficult to select courses.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment in Belgrove 8.5. It was right on campus. Though it was dirty when we arrived, we cleaned it up and made it our home. All of the kids in our program were in the same cluster of houses. There were not many (in fact..hardly any) local Irish students living there and it was primarily foreign exchange. <br /><br /> We were very close to just about everything. My apartment was arranged before I arrived-I was handed keys when I got onto campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was fantastic. I loved every minute of living in Dublin, Ireland. Arcadia arranged several outings for us, including a homestay experience that was 100% positive for me. The homestay was a highlight of my time abroad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My roommate got sick and required medical attention. The on-campus doctor gave her an appointment in 2 weeks (absolutely useless). She called Grainne of Arcadia and had an appointment for a local doctor the next day. She will also be reimbursed for her expenses.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everything in Ireland is very expensive. The cab ride home is sometimes 10 euro apiece! I thought taking out $20 at home was a big night, but in Dublin, 20 euro is the minimum!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? Go. For. It. Choosing to study at University College Dublin was one of, if not THE best decision of my life. The academics are horrible. They are absolutely atrocious, but everything else about your experience will make it unforgettable.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Irish Language
Course Department: IRST 10050
Instructor: Siobhan N.
Instruction Language: English/Irish
Comments: In this course, I learned how to speak Irish. It was my favorite course and I had the most fun taking it. Siobhan, my teacher, was great. She was the sole exception to all of my other courses. She was always available and was truly a fantastic teacher. I learned the most from this course. It was challenging, but she helped us along. I tried to participate because it was something I enjoyed.
Credit Transfer Issues: I really hope all of my credits transfer over.