Growing up the Irish way! Continuing to play Basketball and getting my masters Past Review
By Alex Z (Dublin Business School) - abroad from 09/02/2019 to 04/07/2020 with
North Atlantic Basketball Academy: Dublin - Student Athlete Program
I learned to work hard for everything and everything will work out. Budgeting and generally growing up and maturing while experiencing other cultures is amazing, It has really driven me to want to travel more.
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. |
I really enjoyed my time in DBS and now have my masters which will help me to secure a job when I return to the states in the future. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Always on point |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a host family with Sheila she was a lovely lady and delighted NABA had secured me a spot there as she was like my Irish Mother there, always going out of her way to help me feel comfortable and being honest after coming from American dorm housing for college this was a huge step up. |
| * Food: |
Took me a while to get used to the food here compared to home but in the end I loved it really opened me up to other types of food and healthy food at that. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Unbelivable on arrive NABA took care of me and the welcome meeting was very informative and really helped me settle in I mean they do not baby sit you like they do some of the younger kids but that is to be expected I mean I am in my twenties and have come to Europe to play basketball and engage in another culture while also getting my masters I would not expect to be needing babysitting especially when I hope to be going pro next year. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
As it was explained to me the team I played with would cover my health is any injurys happen and I just picked up local health Care which I needed for my visa anyway its was only €100 if I remember correctly way cheaper then home. |
| * Safety: |
Dublin day or night is safe now like any city you need to be smart but I lived in what they call here an area that would not be wealthy but never once had I am issues and compared to even Florida was very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
NABA was excellent, the workouts and staff always want the best for me and have two offers for next season already even with the league been closed down due to COVID/19 College was great and made friends I will have forever. I couldn't recommend the NABA guys any more then I already have there great to work at and really know the business. Off court they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. But they could have given me one more polo for my brother lol come on Dan up your game....... |
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) |
Its like college anywhere if your smart then you can live cheap and easy. It was easier for me with my meals in my host family and I was here to play basketball and study while I enjoyed the Irish night life I had games at weekends and practice week nights as well as keeping on top of School so my social spending was very limited. I was not supported by home so NABA arranged coaching for me in clubs and schools which really helped me during the year. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 on bus ticket to get around the city and max 40 for extras |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just be smart and use this year to grow up stand on your own two feet in Ireland don't expect everything to be handed to you , you have to work for it they are lovely people but if you don't show initiative you could struggle with everything but if they feel you are thankful and willing to bust your ass there is no better place. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | To bring more rain jackets, wish I was a little more openminded when I got here I feel I would have enjoyed it even more, and how pampered I was in the states this experience has changed me a great deal for the better. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
