Interstudy Ireland: An Experience I Would Recommend to Anyone Past Review
By Kadie N (History, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for
ISA Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland
I learned how closed off the US is from other world events. I learned a lot more about not only Ireland, but many other major countries.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was less. There seemed to usually be just one or two assignments that made up the final grade for the class. But that meant that there needed to be more effort put toward readings outside the class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had no problems at all with any on-site administration. The program manager is very friendly and knows a lot about UCD and Ireland in general. I never had a problem contacting him if I had any questions or concerns. I enjoyed the fact that it is a smaller program unlike going through another university. It made the experience more personalized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I set up my living arrangements by emailing an Interstudy advisor my preferences. I lived in Belgrove, which isn't as nice as the other on-campus apartments but it went very well. I had a roommate from the United States as well as a roommate from Ireland who were both very friendly. I had to buy sheets for the apartment but not much else. |
| * Food: |
Cooked for myself |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The weekend excursion to Killarney was one of the best weekends I had while in Ireland. We went hiking through the Gap of Dunloe and also went horseback riding the following day. Meeting the other insterstudy students was also an exciting part of the weekend. |
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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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone would benefit from this program. The Irish people are incredibly friendly, so for anyone leaving the country for the first time it would make it a lot easier for them to experience another culture. A good on-site administrator also made things a lot easier |
