Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a mind opening experience - no regrets studying abroad! Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Bentley University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was educating to learn how people in other countries live day to day. I think it made me think more critically about world issues. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

The courses were much different from Bentley; however, I was unsure of expectations and grading was very belated - I never knew where I stood.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Office in Ireland did not know where my dorm (Muckross) was located. In addition, after I was placed in courses and a week of the semester already passed, I was told that I could not continue in one of the classes I was in because it conflicted with a co-requisite of another class. The International Office and other administration at UCD seemed to be inefficient and not knowledgeable when there was a question or a problem.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was surprised at the conditions of the dorms I was provided. The description on their webpage was not the same as what I experienced. It was very outdated and there were renovations that should have been made.

* Food:

The food was okay. I thought that there were options for those who had dietary restrictions, but there was nothing available for individuals who needed to be gluten-free. The healthy options were restrictive and there never seemed to be enough for everyone in the dorms.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The only problem was that the Irish students went home on weekends, but I really enjoyed living in a dorm with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an experience with healthcare.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Dublin. Of course people need to be cautious.

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)

It was harder to spend less money living in the city than in the suburbs, but it was manageable.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people I met
* What could be improved?
  • the administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew where to go at the Dublin campus when I had a problem. At the beginning when I had a problem, I was sent to multiple buildings because none of the administrators knew where to go for a specific problem. Later on in the semester, I did not go to campus to ask questions because it was tedious and pointless.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'