Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Academically not great, but culturally, it's a trip not to be passed on. Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That while other cultures may appear to be similar to ours, the people's mentality and hospitality can differ tremendously.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The overall courses at Trinity were disappointing. While the material was interesting, it was taught in such an unorganized, uninteresting, and impersonal that I felt no growth academically. The only well done classes were the science ones I participated in. However, even then the workload was so much that it was slightly ridiculous to learn everything. It was like a firehouse of material down your throat. Overall, it was not a satisfying course experience especially for such a historical noted university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a group to help international students meet and socialize with each other which was nice. But the overall administration was unclear. I was told I would have housing only to learn through my own persistent communication that this was false. I needed to find my own housing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to find my own living arrangement abroad.

* Food:

There was no commonly used dining hall. I did eat in some of the students cafes which were cheap and good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really enjoyed meeting the local Dubliners who are the most kind hearted and fun people I have ever known. There are truly caring but witty at the same time. These are people worth meeting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get sick and try to go to the store to get chicken noodle soup and medicine. They didn't quite stock what I was accustomed to in America.

* Safety:

Overall, I felt very safe and never really concerned for my safety at any point.

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)

Since I had to pay for my own housing, transportation to college, and food, the money added up. Especially since I was on the euro and Dublin can be expensive in some regards.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groceries and buying transportation passes for month long uses or such

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 locals
  • The Traveling that can be done
  • The School's location in city center
* What could be improved?
  • The academics
  • Student housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take advantage of traveling around Ireland more throughout the semester.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.