Studying Abroad in Dublin, The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Computer Networking & Information Security, Champlain College) for

Champlain Abroad: Study in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm definitely more aware of the culture and history of Ireland than I was before studying there. I learned so much about Europe as well and enjoyed traveling to several of the countries. Before studying abroad I had always wanted to travel there and after spending 4 months living there I have realized that Ireland, or even Europe, is a place I'd really love to live.

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 about the same as I was used to back at the main Champlain College campus. Because this program is run by the College there also wasn't a difference between the educational systems in Ireland or the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The faculty at the Dublin campus are all fantastic people and I have to thank each of them for providing me with the greatest experience of my life. Stephen runs an excellent program, his door is, literally, always open and he is more than willing to drop whatever hes doing to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. At one point when I was having trouble registering for classes back at the main campus for the following semester, Stephen spent an hour calling and talking to someone back in Vermont on my behalf. Claire was also great at helping us get acclimated to Dublin and was always willing to answer any questions we had. Annie was a fantastic head resident, I simply can't say enough about how well she helped us learn about and become familiar with Dublin and she was an integral part in my fantastic experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing we lived at was good. I did have some cleaning issues with my room as it hadn't been cleaned properly before we moved in but other than that the staff were friendly and helpful in addressing our concerns.

* Food:

The school doesn't provide any dining services so you are on your own to cook and feed yourself. Dublin is a great place for food though and there are plenty of great places to eat and drink.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The trips to Western and Northern Ireland were both really, really enjoyable. The other local Dublin events organized by the school were also really fun too. Dublin is a fantastic city with plenty of things to do.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had one brief visit to the doctor during my time abroad and the school was quick at setting up the appointment for me and I was very satisfied with the care provided. Dublin is a pretty safe city, but like any large city it has places you need to avoid. The staff are certain to tell you which places to avoid but even so, sometimes things do happen.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff and faculty.
  • The city.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the Dublin campus and the Main campus.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't spend even think about studying abroad, just do it. I highly suggest studying abroad at Champlain College Dublin, but even if you don't choose them just make sure you study abroad!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Global Environmental Earth Science

Course Department: SCI-155-201A
Instructor: Stephen Robinson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I definitely learned a lot from taking this course and its accompanying lab section. We had a great field trip to the Marble Arch Caves that I really enjoyed. Stephen was a great teacher, incredibly knowledgeable and ALWAYS ready and willing to help answer any student question. He keeps the classroom environment relaxed and easygoing, while also effectively teaching the students.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Early History of Ireland

Course Department: HIS-316-201
Instructor: Kelli Malone
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Kelli is exceedingly knowledgeable about early Irish history because she is an archaeologist who has actually conducted research and excavations, as well as having written a book on the subject. We went on a field trip to a couple of interesting historical Irish locations which helped to put what I had learned into perspective. An excellent class that I learned so much in.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Northern Ireland

Course Department: HIS-415B-201
Instructor: Kelli Malone
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I came into this course knowing very little about Northern Ireland and I left the course feeling very knowledgeable. Kelli is an excellent teacher who really knows her stuff. She has a great relationship with the students (always asking them about their weekends and informing them of Dublin events) and that really helped make a rather complex history easier to explain and understand. We went on a field trip to Derry and went on an emotional walking tour that helped me understand the complex conflicts present in Northern Ireland. I would highly recommend students take this, or her other, history course.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Ethics in Human Services

Course Department: SWK-425-201
Instructor: David Willow
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I enjoyed this class and professor even though the topics we covered are bit heavy. I learned quite a bit about different approaches to philosophy and ethics and how they apply in various situations.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Cybercrime

Course Department: FOR-360-201
Instructor: Renaat Verbruggen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Renaat is a great teacher and definitely knows what hes talking about. While I can't say I learned a whole lot in this class, I was already familiar with most of the subject matter, I did enjoy the class. Renaat takes a personal interest in his students and is always helpful with suggesting different local events to take part in, especially Irish sporting events. Overall a good class taught by a great teacher.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A