Dublin, Ireland: Expensive but worth it! Past Review
By Megan M (Business Administration, Winona State University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Dublin - Semester in Dublin
Yes, my experience was worth while. Academically maybe not, but the friends I have made and the travels and tours I have done made it all worth it.
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. |
The grading system is very different than in the US, teaching methods are also EXTREMELY different. The lecturers do not take attendance, most classes do not get homework assignments regularly and a lot of the courses are graded solely on an essay due in January. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The director through CIS was very nice, however, she is not hte one you deal with on campus. DCU's study abroad office isn't the most helpful.. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Shanowen Square is a very clean apartment complex. The hot water has to be turned on when you wan to use it. The office isn't very helpful when you ask them to fix something, and they randomly are closed for hte day with no way to reach anyone. The students are very loud during late hours in the night and the security doesn't do anything about it. |
| * Food: |
n/a |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Toxic Tuesday is held on campus and they are pretty rowdy, and really fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe around DCU, however, I was not doing anything to draw attention to myself - didn't wear really expensive clothing or jewelry, didn't flaunt my cash around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Without travel, I could manage $100 or less most definitely. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Alcoholic drinks are VERY expensive, you will not want to purchase them ever. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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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? | Bring as much money as you can, because you are going to want to travel around Ireland and the rest of Europe. An outgoing student who can make friends on their own would be a great candidate for this program. |
