Ireland Abroad: 100% Great Craic! Past Review
By Kirsten D (Forensic Science, Biology, University of New Haven) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Dublin - Semester in Dublin
My study abroad experience was worth it 200%!! It was the best experience of my life so far! I was able to meet so many people from all over the world and connect with them on many levels. My time abroad made me much more aware of world politics, economy, sports, and travel. There is much more out there than what surrounds you at home, much more that is worth while and worth paying attention to.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Dublin City University |
| 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. |
There was a great difference in the grading, their scale was set much lower than ours and was a shock when first arriving. But I learned how it would transfer. Their teaching methods were much the same, many of my classes were set on papers and presentations which was different, but fun! The workload seemed much less, but I took classes that would alleviate this as well. They seem to not have such a heavy focus on drowning students in work, which I think was a nice change. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program office was very helpful when I needed information. They were quick to respond to email as well, very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment I was given was great! I lived with three other DCU students, two of which lived in Ireland and another that was from Germany. I got along great with them, had lots of fun! The apartment was great, furnished with everything I needed. My own bathroom and room was an awesome unexpected treat. |
| * Food: |
The food available was delicious. The foods were different than I normally have available to me at my home university. The campus had a selection of places to eat, which were fun to try. The restaurants around the campus and in town were always fun to try as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My social experiences were fantastic! I was able to meet lots of international students as well as students from Ireland. Everyone was very nice and fun to hang out with. We would get involved in the campus activities as well as those around Dublin. There was always something going on we would entertain ourselves with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not have any health issues while I was gone, but I did have a friend who did and he was taken care of nicely by the campus health center. I always felt safe on campus and was never in danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Go into your experience with open eyes and no inhibitions! Be prepared to do anything and go anywhere that interests you or expands your horizons! I was able to check out every aspect of my host country and city I lived in. And loved every minute of it! I would go again in a hear beat! |
