Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The BEST study abroad experience and program out there! Past Review

By (Nova Southeastern University) - abroad from 06/22/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

COUPA: Summer Study Abroad in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained knowledge of a different culture, new friends, and an Irish second family!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought that the courses were very informative and that they aided my study abroad experience. The courses were not too demanding, but there are still various assignments and an exam and paper to complete. I was definitely able to go out and explore the city after class, which proved to be significant in my study abroad experience. Overall, I highly enjoyed the courses and learned a lot from them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought that the program was administered in an effective and helpful way. There was always someone there to help you with things such as currency exchange, tours, directions, host families, etc. Overall, the program was very organized and I was highly impressed by this.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was 100% satisfied with my living arrangements. I had the best host family, who showed us how Irish people live their everyday lives. They were very welcoming and helpful. I shared a room with my roomate and although the room could have been a little bigger, it was the best experience. Overal, my host family and living arrangements definitely made my Irish experience unforgettable.

* Food:

I thought the food was very tasty and not much different from the food back home. My favorite foods were the desserts that my Irish host mom made. They were the best desserts I have ever had!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated to the local culture. The Irish people are extremely nice and made me feel welcomed. I felt just like a regular Dubliner while I was there!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I personally did not have any health issues, the program definitely addressed health issues correctly. There weren't any prevalent health issues in my host city and I did not need any vaccines specifically for this program.

* Safety:

I thought that Dublin was very safe. I felt comfortable walking the streets both during the day and at night. I never had a bad experience and I would definitely say that it is a safe city.

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)

I was easily able to live on a student's budget as the program pretty much included everything that is essential when studying abroad, and more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? more or less, 60 euros a 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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Host Family
  • Weekend trip to Donegal
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Bigger room
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that I was going to have such an amazing experience in Dublin before going on this program! I would have definitely planned to stay there longer. I did not want to leave!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.