I Would Move Back to Ireland Right This Second Past Review
By Maggie M (English/Communications, Fordham University) for
Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin
I just feel so much more confident and ready to be an adult. I met great people and saw things I never expected to.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
American students are more than prepared to write papers for Irish classes. The classes are different, but you'll be able to adjust. Classes will meet twice a week (once as a lecture, once as a small seminar). There is no homework so your grades are contingent on a paper and the final. It seems scary at first but it's totally manageable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't really ever interact with the administration--there was no need for me to do so. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I LOVED Belgrove. It was so much fun being surrounded by other students. On Valentine's Day, people were just coming in and out of my apartment to hang out and we met so many people. The apartments were pretty big and open. You have your own room (which is kind of small but you don't need much room), a bathroom, and a huge open kitchen/living room. |
| * Food: |
I mostly grocery shopped. Centra is the best! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
St. Patrick's Day was AWESOME. Giant's Causeway was cool as was the Blarney Stone. The Irish countryside (especially Wicklow) is beautiful and you should definitely take some trips out to get a look at the countryside. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Arcadia/UCD has you sign up for student health care that covers any expense you may encounter. You most likely won't need the health center, but if you do, they'll get you sorted. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Clubs in Ireland all have a cover charge and drinks are SUPER expensive. Everything is expensive really because Ireland is an island and needs to ship most products in. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Join clubs--it's the easiest way to meet people. |
