Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would go back tomorrow if I could! Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about different cultures and I was able to visit 10 countries in the 4 months I was there. I would not trade this experience for anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes weren't that hard and the professors put all of their notes online. There were two tests for the whole semester and those were your only grades. Overall I liked the way it was set up.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived on campus and I loved it. The only downside is if you are only going for a semester you will live with other international students instead of Irish students which was a bummer.

* Food:

The food in Dublin itself was great. Check out Yum Thai for cheap Thai food. On campus the pizza from Centra was always a good go to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going out was the easiest way to meet local Irish people, it was a little difficult to meet people in your classes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to visit the on campus health service once while I was there and they were extremely helpful. Insurance was covered through my study abroad program insurance.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while in Dublin. However I did have my purse stolen once so that was a bummer. Just make sure you keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpocketers. Other than that Dublin was one of the safest cities I've been to.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly 50 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a leap card for the bus system and get a 30 day rambler pass. It'll save you money in the long run

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The location
  • The people
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • Not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save as much as possible before so you can travel as much as you want on the weekends.

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.