Dublin is my second home! Past Review
By Aydali Campa (Arizona State University) - abroad from 09/12/2016 to 12/16/2016 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland
I learned way more than I had expected. It was more than worthwhile. You learn from the CAPA people, the other students in the program, tons of international students who share drastically different stories, the internship site, and the best friends you make.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Everything I learned from all of my classes was very interesting and fun to learn about. However, we weren't let known of assignments or given the resources we needed for them on time. Sometimes I would find out about an assignment or be given access to the book needed for it the day before it was due. I found it stressful, but I definitely learned from that experience as it is completely different from what I have experienced in the U.S. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were a little out of it at the start of the program, but it was probably because Hayley who usually takes care of things was out for a couple of days. Still, helped we with absolutely everything I needed. I was never alone, and they always replied to emails immediately. Also, their office was right on campus a few steps away from my flat! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I decided to live on campus instead of with a family. My flat was not too small. Everything we needed was included such as bedding and kitchen items. The roommates I was placed with were amazing. |
| * Food: |
Lunch everywhere is delicious in Dublin. So many independent restaurants. Not a lot of franchises. Groceries were cheaper than in the U.S., but everything expires within a couple of days. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My internship and school involvement were what definitely made me feel part of the local culture. They were great opportunities for me to get to know people outside of the CAPA program. Activities provided by CAPA are only for CAPA (U.S.) students, so you have to make an effort to get to know locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Every single week in the Monday Memo emails, we would be reminded how to go about if we needed help concerning out health. It was very accessible and easy. No vaccines needed prior to the program. |
| * Safety: |
Dublin felt very safe at all times, especially with the help of our CAPA mentors who would always checkup on each of us. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The internship component of CAPA is what made my experience the most unique and rewarding. |
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? | try to stick to an eating out budget. My roommate and I decided we would only spend 6 euro max for lunch for our breaks at work. Resist your urge to go shopping for clothes every week! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use the DuoLingo app. It feels like a game, but you really do learn how to speak the language a little better. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | A bit more history about Ireland would have been nice, but there wasn't anything major I didn't know because CAPA's predeparture guide is very extensive. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
