Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Bunch of Americans in Ireland Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/13/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile, but I really would have liked a more immersive program

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Rice and Beans baby!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't learn Irish its a waste of time

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes were fascinating
  • People were wonderful
  • I could do whatever I want
* What could be improved?
  • Dont make me live with Americans, its hard to make friends
  • Classes could have been more challenging
  • I would have liked a dining hall
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to cook

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

The Crusades
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: not challenging but interesting
Credit Transfer Issues: yes, it took forever for grading to finish
Course Name/Rating:

Rise and Fall of Europe
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: no but the material was interesting
Credit Transfer Issues: yes grading took forever
Course Name/Rating:

Greek Art and Architecture
Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Sue O'niell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: no, but the material was interesting
Credit Transfer Issues: yes, the grading took forever
Course Name/Rating:

History of Greece
Course Department: Classics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: no, but the material was interesting
Credit Transfer Issues: yes grading took forever
Course Name/Rating:

Interpreting History
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: no
Credit Transfer Issues: yes grading took forever