My favorite college experience Past Review
By Amanda L (Shippensburg University) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 06/14/2013 with
American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program
I met a ton of people from all over the world. I cannot wait to travel back to Europe and visit friends. Traveling also opened up my eyes to how big the world really is. Moving back stateside was sad and all I can think about is traveling. The trip was definitely worthwhile. If someone offered me a ticked back to Dublin right now I would not hesitate to take it and only bring the clothes on my back.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were mixed between classroom lectures and hands on exploring. It was a great combination that enabled us to tour the city of Dublin and get to know the area. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was easy to work with all advisers, professors, lecturers, and deans. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in the boarding house. It was one of my favorite parts of my trip because we were able to meet people from all over Europe. |
| * Food: |
Our house mother made amazing food every night. Because we were provided with breakfast and dinner each day, we were able to save a lot of money. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really got to know the lay of the land and understood how to get around in Dublin. All of the locals we came across were extremely friendly and I never felt out of place. We were able to meet lots of Irish people and listen to traditional music. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
One of my roommates came down with a bad cold and our adviser gave us the address for a walk-in clinic. The service there was great and we were able to get in, get a prescription, and get out within 30 minutes. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt as if I was in danger while living in Dublin. I also traveled with at least one other person, but that was just a personal choice. I felt comfortable in the boarding house and in the city in general. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 an expensive city. Especially the Temple Bar area where our boarding house was located. We were lucky to have two meals provided daily for us. The most money I spent was in the pubs. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is possible to get sunburn in Ireland and you should wear sunscreen on your face. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
