Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Four Months Full of Life Changing Experiences Past Review

By (Photography., Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 01/24/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

KEI Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more than I ever imagined I would. First, the classes I took taught me so much about my field of study and about the culture in Ireland. I was happily surprised with how well the classes went over. Yes, they were very different than the way American college classes go, but they were still very educational. Second, I learned so much about myself. I went to Ireland knowing absolutely no one. Which was quite scary, but it ended up being the best decision of my life. I was able to be 100% myself and make a ton of new friends. I went from being a semi-introverted person who tended to keep to myself, to being extremely outgoing and forming a desire to make as many friends as possible. I also learned about my independence. I managed my own money, lived on my own, went places by myself, and really just got to spend time being alone and experiencing things for myself instead of for others. I now know that I don't always need someone to join me to do things with me, I can enjoy them plenty on my own. I could talk about this forever. It was definitely worthwhile. My life has been changed in the best way possible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were organized much differently than in America, but it wasn't too difficult to catch on to and get into schedule.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Olwyn Mannix was one of the most amazing women I had ever met. We all call her our Ireland mom. Anything you need at all, Olwyn will help you out right away. Whether it's where to get something, needing help organizing a trip, or just sitting down and having a coffee or a lunch with her, she'll be there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I adored my roommate. We shared a bedroom and a bathroom. However, we shared the living area and the kitchen with two other international students. They're what you expect in a dorm situation.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After the few weeks, the feeling of being a tourist begins to fade away and Ireland actually starts to feel like a home. I know it became a home for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Honestly, the more you bring, the better. However, there are plenty of ways for saving and conserving money while in this specific place. Things like avoiding taking a taxi or bus and walking instead always helps. There is also a grocery store called LIDL that was near Griffith College that was very inexpensive but still had a ton of foods to choose from.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The organized excursions that came with it.
  • OLWYN MANNIX
  • Where Griffith College is located
* What could be improved?
  • The way the first day was organized.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not sure that I wish I knew the things that I learned on this program before I went on the program. One of the most beneficial parts of the experience was learning so much while I was there.