Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best three and a half months of my life in Dublin! Past Review

By (Management, Providence College) for

Boston University: Dublin - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I just became much more open to many different situations and I definitely grew as a result of this situation. I have become more aware of all cultures from increased exposure and travels.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was pretty typical, a few quizzes, one essay and one final. The grading system had different percentage ranges for grades but the difficulty of grading compensated for that. Other than that the classes were similar to those in America.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful and exceeded my expectations. The program advisor, Mary, was exceptional at helping and extremely friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were a little out dated, many old appliances in the kitchen. I needed to buy a towel and an extra pillow. It was close to class and I enjoyed it overall, but there were ten people to one small kitchen and at times it became incredibly messy.

* Food:

I wished there was a meal plan option, it got really expensive paying for every single meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We took a trip to Belfast which really showed us different cultural aspects. They did a lot to get us to know eachother and it helped. For example, we went out to dinner as a program before we left.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt extremely safe in Dublin and I feel it is overall a really safe option. I don't know anyone who got mugged or ran into unsafe situations while in Dublin. I didn't have any health issues but our program advisor got you an appointment and anything you needed if so. It seemed up to par with America.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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? The food and transportation really do add up since it is 20 mins outside the city. I didn't realize I would spend so much on transportation.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The faculty and staff that helped us and the friends I made!
* What could be improved?
  • closer to the city! and better rules regarding keeping the apartment clean!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Any type! there were all sorts of people in my program that LOVED IT and it was a great fun program, we all got really close.