Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Felt like home! Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/15/2017 to 05/21/2017 with

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that putting yourself out there and going somewhere totally different where you don't know anyone is worth it. I had not connections in Ireland and it didn't matter. People are friendly and welcoming and I left feeling like I had found another home and built a little family of my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Being so used to the American education system it was definitely a lot different being in Ireland. The biggest difference is that they don't do continuous assessment which means you only have a midterm assignment or exam and then a final. This is good and bad it's nice to not have constant assignments but the revision for the final exams is overwhelming if you haven't kept up with your studies well enough.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Compared to American dorms having your own bedroom and bathroom is heavenly.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Irish people are some of the nicest people in the world and you can always find someone to ask for help or just to chat to.

* 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

UCD is super different to Trinity University in that it's a big school with a big population of students this really worked for me and I loved the change from a small school to a big one. Arcadia offered lots of help and their excursions were really fun. UCD also has a really active global program that organizes trips for international students and most of their excursions are free; you pay a five euro deposit but at the end of the trip they give it back to you. Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the world and the history of the country seeps into daily life in the most interesting and fun ways. The music and the food and the people are all incredible.

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)

Dublin is a big city and there are lots of tourist areas so when you're new it can be hard to find cheap places to eat. Arcadia provides a list of cheap restaurants, however, and once you get to know the area it's very easy to find good food on a budget. Lidl and Aldi are the best places to grocery shop you can get a full week, if not two, worth of food for 20 euro or less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 euro on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do research and ask local students for advice they're all really helpful and will have good recommendations.

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
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Other studebts
  • Excursions
  • Dublin itself
* What could be improved?
  • Information on registering for classes
  • Safety check ups when traveling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it's ok to travel on your own and a weekend is enough time to see a city. During the semester I didn't travel very much outside of Ireland and I should have taken advantage of the cheaper traveling costs.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!