Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ireland, it's the craic! Past Review

By (Business Administration, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

USAC Ireland: University College Cork - Undergraduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a great time and I learned a lot about the European culture. IT was cool taking International marketing abroad.

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 were about 2 hours a week and the classes seemed comparable to my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The beginning was confusing because they changed the way they normally ran things but it got easier.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was dirty and the management was hard to communicate with but the location was phenomenal.

* Food:

Nothing too special. Lots of similar food. Irish food is typically made at home not out at restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was safe. Just stick to common sense and not go to places alone in the dark.

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)

The Euro is stronger than the USD and food is more expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget and spend your money on what's most important tyouo

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Experience
  • City
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Administration
  • My Budget
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure to budget and make local friends.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.