Best experience during my college career! Past Review
By Meghankhall (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/18/2017 to 06/12/2017 with
Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Dublin - Ireland and Northern Ireland Co-Cultural Experience
I learned about myself, my view on the world, and how an open mind can take you so much further in life. I learned to except people for while they are and not judge them on what I do and do not know about their background. I also realized how lucky I am in my current situation in life and that healthily relationships and communication are the key to happiness. It was very worthwhile and I would recommend it to everyone.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Most places were nice and clean. Some places, such as the hostiles, were cramped and uncomfortable at times. I really enjoyed the home stays. |
| * Food: |
There was a lot of variety and choices. It was also fairly similar to American food, except it tasted less processed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Being in a different place, you never know what to expect. Always have a buddy and tell someone when and where you are going. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I enjoyed the people I was with, the country I was in, and the history I learned about. I feel like Ireland isn’t a super popular place to go, but after going, I think more people should take the opportunity to go. |
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) |
We ate out the majority of the trip which is more costly than cooking at home. Also, we had to pay for laundry services a couple times which costed between $10-$20 for a load. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don’t buy alcoholic drinks or expensive meals everywhere you go. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| 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? |
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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? | Being on a trip abroad for 25 days can be expensive! I wish I knew to create a budget for myself beforehand. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
