Fall Semester in Dublin Past Review
By Alice D (Sociology., Boston College) for
University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I think studying abroad gives students an independence. Having to fend for yourself, even if you are with friends, so far from your parents is challenging and exciting! I had to buy a cell phone plan, open a bank account, all things I had not yet done for myself in the US.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics are rated differently abroad. While they may study and learn just as much as American students, Irish students are much more laid back and the professors give many students Cs. A C is not bad at all, it is average. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was nice because we lived with a bunch of international students, however i would have liked to meet more local students. |
| * Food: |
I mostly cooked for myself so I went to the store, not the food services on campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Irish are super friendly and inviting. The breadth of my experience went from nights out, to visiting jails and museums, to enjoying local music and folklore, and learning about the history of the city and country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was a lot of open-ess about sexual education and health on campus. |
| 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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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke English abroad so none of my foreign language skills improved. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make sure you understand the living expenses in your host country. Also, make sure you communicate with your home advising programs to make sure your credits transfer and you know how to maintain your full-time student status. |
