Everything I could have asked for- AND MORE! Past Review
By Lauren P (Accounting and Related Services., University of Kentucky) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 06/28/2014 with
KEI Abroad in Dublin, Ireland
I learned so much about myself. I became more independent and encouraged to introduce myself to other cultures
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. |
I could not have asked for a better educational abroad experience through KEI in Dublin. Having never traveled abroad, I got to experience something new and exciting with the most interesting classes, excursions, and coordinators along the way. I learned more in these four week courses than I normally do in an entire semester because of the insightful field trips and coursework presented to us. I was both challenged and rewarded at the same time to try and learn something new everyday. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Dublin's onsite director is so awesome! Her name is Olwyn and she will serve as a second mother while you are there. The Griffith College administration was very helpful and kind as well, and while the staffing was slightly smaller during the summer term they still did their absolute best to accommodate us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms are apartment style and very clean! |
| * Food: |
The food is fairly similar to that here in the U.S. Make sure to watch for deals and shop at less pricy grocery stores like ALDI because eating at a restaurant everyday can get really expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As soon as I arrived those present at Griffith College did everything in their power to make us feel welcome. We were guided around Dublin and introduced to restaurants and pubs that locals hang out in, and were introduced to Irish culture in detail during our classes. The planned excursions were also very acclimating as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Griffith College is very safe, with a gated perimeter and security guards. Dublin is a large city so precaution should always be taken. |
| 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) |
I did not expect to spend as much as I did. However, there are numerous ways to find affordable things. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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
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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? | Don't worry so much about packing! |
