Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ireland: the land of everyday miracles Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) for

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself on this adventure than anything. Completely alone in a new place, I learned more and more about my own ablities and the country from which my ancestors came. I also learned how to cook, which was fantastic. I also picked up a global view and was able to see American from the outside for the first time.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

SSP arranged housing for visiting students in their program to live on campus, which is an unheard of privledge.

* 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? 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? About 30 euro on food, including lunch at the Buttery once a week. I was not going out every week though. Tack on another 20 of 30 if you plan to visit pubs every week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? To remain in the country, you have to pay the Garda 150 euro for a registration card. This card is extremely helpful to return after a trip to the rest of Europe, but the price still hurts.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Relax. You have work to do, but the system within which you are working is nearly hopeless. Nonetheless, it has be working for 400 years, it will be working long after you leave. Smile, nod, comiserate, but don't take the difficulties personally. And remember the end of term does eventually arrive. Prepare before hand.