Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying just outside Dublin at a massive school Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/16/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was a very worthwhile experience. Though the campus was not in the ideal location, it was nice observing a different culture.

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?

* Food:

* 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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Avoid the pub

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Irish is not used at all except for some very small villages in the east of the country. Most people know a little but it's not worth stressing over trying to learn Irish since everyone speaks English as their preferred language.

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
  • 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?
  • Residencies
  • International Student Society
  • Soccer
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Integration with locals
  • Roommates who aren't from America
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that UCD is not quite in Dublin, which turned out to be quite an inconvenience. I would have preferred to be at Trinity, which is located in the heart of the city.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Landscapes and Heritage
Course Department: Archaeology
Instructor: Tagdh O'Keefe
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Membrane Biology
Course Department: Neuroscience
Instructor: Catherine Harron
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
Course Department: Computer Science
Instructor: Henry Mcloughlin
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Folklore
Course Department: Folklore
Instructor: Barbara Ni Fionn
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ireland Uncovered
Course Department: Irish Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: