dublin has my heart Past Review

By (University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 01/29/2018 to 05/31/2018 with

Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely grew as a student and young adult socially, politically and culturally. The friendships I made abroad were probably the most worthwhile; there's not many people you can say you traveled the world with.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? Yes

I could not imagine studying abroad with any program but ASA! The staff in the states (hi Cayleigh) and in Ireland (hi Olwyn) was supportive in every step of the process! ! The most valuable benefit that was offered through the ASA program was the excursions.

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)

In Dublin, groceries from Aldi and Lidl were very cost effective and with Griffith College's amenities, cooking meals maintained a student budget. Eating out, public transportation and clothing shopping could add up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Being abroad, you should try new restaurants and cafes and you might find a favorite or two to revisit, but try limiting eating out to 1-2 times a week.

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

  • 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?
  • Living Arrangement: Dorm
  • Weekend Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Course Registration
  • Visa Appointment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.