Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best semester of my life Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 08/07/2013 to 01/01/2013 with

University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how easy it is to make friends once you open up to people. It was so worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes at UCD were very different than at SMCM but very interesting. I got to take classes not offered at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish we were able to live off of campus. Very few students stay on campus.

* Food:

There is little food service on campus (although they're opening a new restaurant starting next fall). However food in Dublin is amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Pretty easy just make sure the doctor takes insurance before you go!

* 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)

Dublin is a very expensive city, especially if you plan on going out a few nights a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a bus pass and split cabs!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travelling
  • New friends
* What could be improved?
  • If we were able to live off campus, it would be cheaper for a lot of students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known a little more about how the classes operated.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.