Have to try really hard to enjoy experience Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/15/2019 to 05/01/2019 with

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned to live in a city, but really difficult social culture. Wouldn't do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

Unbelievably expensive.

* Food:

No meal plan, no assistance with kitchen equipment etc.

* 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? $120

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural opportunities
  • Professors
  • Weather
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
  • Checking on students
  • Rental programs for housing equipment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I had not had family in Ireland I would have spent astronomical amounts of money and effort acquiring essentials like bedding, kitchen supplies, and other household items. I couldn't afford to carry all of that from back home and it would be ridiculous and wasteful (and expensive!) to have bought all new things abroad I wouldn't have been able to afford to ship back home either. There should be programs in place for people to rent or borrow very basic supplies abroad.

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!