St. Pat's is a good good education school Past Review
By Katie C (Elem. Ed, University of Northern Colorado) for
Dublin City University: St. Patrick's Campus - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I had a great time while in Ireland, and I learned so much about myself. I know that is so cliche, but it is very true. I also really enjoyed learning about people from other cultures while living with them, and I made a lot of great connections in Europe, although not from Ireland.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | St. Patrick's College |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were great in the fact that they knew I was there for the experience and not so much for the academics. I only had 4 essays to write the entire semester, and although that was great for me, I know a lot of my peers were frustrated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt like the program while overseas did not do much to help us out, and when we did ask questions they seemed irritated. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was the worst part! Small rooms, community bathrooms, and internet only in the common room. It was frustrating because the other dorms all had internet in their rooms, and we didn't! If anyone needs internet it is the students who are overseas and want to Skype in private! It was also extremely frustrating having staff in our dorm because they would always yell at us to be quiet! We lived there! <br /><br /> It was too expensive for the little that we received. |
| * Food: |
I had to make my own food almost everyday which was fine, but 20 people trying to cook at one time was hard! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a lot of social events provided by the school, but if you are not much of a drinker then it would be hard to find things to do. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I am not too sure, but I did bring over 3000 dollars and it was all gone by the time I left! It is really expensive over there. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just the cost of food is ridiculous, and you have to remember that you get less money when you trade dollars into euros! It stinks. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Since I already am a native English speaker my language did not greatly improve. I did learn some new cool phrases though! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It was a great program, but just be prepared to feel a little lost at times. Also, make sure to talk with your home institution about transcripts because they arrive about 2 months late. |
