Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everyone always regrets not studying abroad SO DO IT! Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Oswego) - abroad from 09/09/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact with other cultures. My internship at the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland prepared me for my future careers, and I gained many skills. I learned a lot about the history of Ireland, which is one of the reasons I chose this program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved them! Susanne, Hayley, and Darren were all so welcoming and helped us adjust to the culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Staying in the flats, I bought and ate my own food, but there is also a meal plan available on campus for lunches.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The advisors helped immensely with integrating us into the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have Type 1 Diabetes and I brought all my supplies for the semester. There is a doctor off campus that is provided for us and reimbursed if anything does happen.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe in this city, but one of the main crimes is phone theft.

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

I made great friends, took great classes, and had an amazing internship.

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)

I took out a loan, and spent about 3,000 dollars overall over the course of the semester. I did take some extra trips to other countries, however. I would say groceries are less expensive in Ireland than the US, and spent around 30-50 euro on groceries each week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100 euro.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use apps to keep track of what you spend!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Advisors
  • Internship
  • Campus Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Still wish I met more international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have studied abroad as a sophomore or junior because I would have had the chance to study abroad again, or stay for another semester.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.