Ireland, a home away from home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a massive shift between my host university and the American educational system, but it wasn't difficult to adjust. However, it may be difficult to adjust when I return to Penn State in the fall, as it feels much more intense. The only problem I feel was not knowing at all how I will be graded. I understand the process, but there wasn't continuous assessment here in any of my classes. So, I simply don't know specifically what my professors were looking for on exams or in papers, like I would back home.

On-site administration of your program

Everything seemed pretty straight forward, based on what I learned during orientation. The Arcadia staff was located in Dublin, but if I ever needed anything, they were always available and willing to help. They would also follow up to make sure everything was alright.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location for everything couldn't have been more perfect. I was about a 5-10 minute walk from campus and downtown, with only a 2 minute walk to a very nice and cheap grocery store. Just about everything was provided, except for sheets and towels. I always felt perfectly safe, except during the beginning of RAG week, a week during which students participated in the most heavy partying I've ever seen. It's apparently common for students to just stay awake and drunk for as long as possible for the week. To avoid any problems, I simply stayed indoors and didn't engage in any of the heavy partying, including not answering the door when drunk kids would randomly start ringing the doorbell. But the apartment management went above and beyond to make sure everyone was safe. There was additional security added, Garda came if absolutely necessary, and temporary gates were added at the front of the complex to only allow those who lived here to enter so things didn't get too out of hand. Students were permitted to enjoy themselves as long as they didn't put others or themselves at risk.

Any functions I attended always had vegetarian options for students so inclined. I'd recommend being able to make cheap dishes from scratch (and I don't mean mac & cheese because I never saw any of that here). My only issue has been with the beef here in Ireland, as it's much more gamey, much like venison which I never liked. I just had to find other sources of iron & protein, but it hasn't been a problem.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My best experience was the homestay weekend Arcadia arranged. That was also the part I was most worried about, but I wouldn't trade it for anything now. Also, a day trip to the Aran islands was planned and a weekend trip to Belfast, which were wonderful.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a health unit on campus which was free, with nurses and doctors, which I had to visit when I ended up with food poisoning (stemming from my own mishaps cooking with an electric oven for the first time). There wasn't much they could really do, but I was seen promptly and felt cared for. As for safety, I always felt safe, aside from the first night of RAG week (just search for the crazy antics on youtube).

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Americans
• Local Students