Great European Exploration Past Review
By Eric P (Japanese Language, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/23/2016 with
IFSA: Dublin - University College Dublin
I learned about other cultures in Europe. I especially learned just how big the world really is, which is something you can only really grasp once you have traveled.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Much more extensive studying on your own, and more classes per semester, but I felt I learned much more in fewer lecture hours than in America. |
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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? |
Only a stove, no oven. The shower frequently did not have hot water at peak hours. Suburban setting encourages reclusiveness and not exploring. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Pricey public transportation and located far from the city center. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As safe as can be. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would choose somewhere in central Europe that had a language barrier and more of a cultural difference from the US. I didn't even feel like I was in a foreign place most of the time. |
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) |
LIDL is bae. Use its grocery deals. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | I wish I knew just how alienating being abroad and away from everyone can be. |
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.' |
