Ireland: A Great Experience Past Review
By Erin S (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) for
University College Cork: Cork - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes-it was a nice break from Wellesley but at the same time made me truly appreciate the academics we receive here. It also made me realize that there are bigger things in life to stress about and I think it calmed me down a little.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The classes were not challenging at all. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was close to campus and the city center which was very nice. I had to buy everything (sheets, bedding, ect.) and laundry was very expensive. |
| * Food: |
The candy is amazing (cadbury) and the food was really good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were trips planned but it was nice to travel on my own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Ireland felt very safe and I never really felt in danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | between 100-200 euros a month. It was very expensive and the exchange rate wasn't really good. It helped to buy groceries rather than eating out. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling costs a lot, as well as groceries and going out to pubs |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say to not stress that the courses are not nearly as rigorous as those at Wellesley and to embrace the social and cultural aspects of being in Ireland. |
