My time at American College of Dublin Past Review

By (MultiMedia Journalism, Lynn University) for

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was decent, it was well balanced with experiential learning. We would go on interesting field trips etc. The grading system and teaching methods were similar .

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Accessibility was pretty easy, getting around was easy, and all of my expectations were met!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The only thing that was difficult was the laundry, but that could just be us Americans getting it wrong! I suggest buying all sheets and what not when you arrive to Ireland and not pack them on the plane, its unnessesary weight. The location was amazing, it was right above the metro cafe, it was perfect for me.

* Food:

Cook at the apt as much if possible to save money

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the field trips, the cultural pub crawls, the racetrack, anything Colum Cronin taught or any field trip he led was amazing and I always learned alot.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe

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? 700
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you save up! Traveling is expensive but it doesn't have to be!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Undergraduate Communications course
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Colum Cronin, the people, the atmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • Wish I had more time in Ireland
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep an open mind, remember this is the best time of your life!