CAPA Dublin - My Thoughts and Feelings Past Review
By Taylor M (Psychology, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 09/12/2016 to 12/16/2016 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland
I learned how to truly be on my own for the first time which was an extremely valuable experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thoroughly enjoyed my courses at Griffith College, but they weren't overly difficult classes. I took Irish language and culture, Global Cities, Irish history and culture, and the Internship course. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were super friendly and kind but weren't always the best at getting back to you right away via email and confirming dates. I found it to be most effective to speak to them in person. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The bedrooms were a great size and nice quality. The most annoying features were the only refrigerator was a mini fridge, there was no oven (only a stove top, microwave, and toaster), and the tiny bathroom was not good. It was a small and claustrophobic which was not great. |
| * Food: |
I only ate on campus a few times, mostly because they honestly never had food out. The food I did eat tasted great, but while having classes and a 20 hour internship I was never around for the short periods of time in which they actually were serving food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was completely immersed with the people and the culture of Ireland and it was an amazing experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The doctor was a less than 10 minute walk away, but I personally never had to get medical care. I know the CAPA staff was always willing to help you with getting appointments or transportation to the hospital. |
| * Safety: |
No city is completely safe, I personally never felt very unsafe. I would never go out at night on my own because as a young woman I know that is a bad idea. There are always cabs driving around so you never have to walk home if you feel uncomfortable. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Despite the small things I did not like, I really enjoyed living in Dublin and experiencing Ireland. My professors were very invested and enthusiastic which motivated me to learn. |
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) |
It depends on what you want to do, I saved a lot of money so that I could have the opportunities to go on trips and eat out when I wanted to. Making your own meals does bring your cost of living down. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Anywhere from $25-$40 depending on if I went out at all |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When it comes to going out, spending copious amounts of money on club entrances and alcohol adds up quick and is not necessary to have a great experiences. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We only learned a few key phrases of Irish language and barley used them. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had completed a high level of spanish language |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to learn some social phrases that are easy to remember. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew about the bathroom and could see photos of where I would be living. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Global Cities |
| Course Department: | CAPA Courses |
| Instructor: | Dr. Darren Kelly |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course combines classroom learning with exploring and venturing out into your host city. I really learned a lot about my new city and the course gave me a better understanding of history and culture in Ireland. Dr. Kelly was so invested and a great teacher. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
