Unforgettable - Best Time Ever! Past Review

By (Communication Management, University of Dayton) - abroad from 01/01/2007 to 05/05/2007 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved meeting my friends that I'm still in touch with. I enjoyed traveling and seeing what there was to offer outside of Dublin as well!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great to plan out my course schedule and be able to change or switch courses for my schedule as well as major. I did feel that they needed to be a bit more challenging, but I was also grateful as I also wanted to travel and experience the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was great - loved the open door policy and you could talk to whomever and ask for help and they would direct you the right way!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were so many students in the second semester of the study abroad program that overflow went into a "hostel" complex. It was a great set up and so cute! It was even closer downtown, right between the Ha'penny bridge bridge and the O'Connell bridge - perfect for being a tourist! I will say that it would have been nice to be in one whole building, but the seven of us did have our own bond. It was also great to get out and then visit the other students in their apartment building. It really made you step out and meet new people outside of your classroom!

* Food:

It was fun doing lunch each day and having those tokens - it was simple and basic, but it worked. It was a great way to mingle!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt as though the classes helped to integrate, but we needed to be separated out. Study outside of our exchange group! I think it would have been nice to not only make American friends, but friends from all over that I could stay more connected to and have them visit here or I there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Very safe as it is a great part of town and close to everything!

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)

1

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save ahead of time as travel, food and drinks take up a lot of the budget!

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

  • Hostel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Staff
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Courses - Difficulty
  • 3 Day Weekends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much fun it really was - I would have done it for the whole year!

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.