A Dream Come True Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think ACD has a strong understanding of why students study abroad. Yes, academics is part of that, but its certainly not all of it. The scheduling and rigor of the classes are set up in a way that students gain the necessary information, while having their free time to explore and experience the culture and city of Dublin!

On-site administration of your program

Colum Cronin seems to run everything over in Ireland. This guy is the man and always on the ball. He has a student centered approach and looks to accommodate students and enrich their experience whenever he can. I will say, it does get a little confusing talking to different people first in Delaware, then in Ireland, and not always knowing what the process is before you get to Ireland, but once you get there, everything runs very smoothly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Location was prime. I was housed on College St, right on top of O'Doyles Pub which made things mighty convenient. There was a common living room and kitchen with internet access and cable tv. Everyone hanging out in one space really helped us students become a tight knit group and build a strong community. Only knock would be the small bedrooms. 4 guys in 2 sets of bunk beds in a small space. Not a big deal if you know each other or consider yourself low maintenance, but if you prefer the finer things, there are other housing options with more space.

The little cafe right behind campus makes fine sandwiches. All the pubs offer great burgers, fish and chips, and traditional irish stew. Delicious. Plenty of American options as well like the Hard Rock cafe.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is absolutely what you make of it. Dublin and Ireland has so much to offer, but only those who get out and explore can experience it. The city of Dublin is great with shops, plenty of park space, theaters, malls, and concert/sport venues. ACD provided numerous guided opportunities to see different things in the city including nights out, a Gaelic Football game at Croke Park, soccer matches, Irish step dancing classes. There are a lot of tour companies that you can utilize to see the city or Ireland, or if your more budgetary strapped, taking a ride on the Dart is much cheaper and you can see the side of Ireland tourists don't often see. The airport also offers cheap trips to areas like London and Scotland for long weekend trips.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had an issue.

Never saw any issues. I lived right across the street from the police station. Travel in groups just for safety sake, but that was never a concern.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I would say 3. You can operate on a budget quite easily, I just chose not to for the most part. I wanted to experience as much as I could while I had the chance. That required some additional funds. In 6 weeks, I probably spent about 2000 American dollars. But this also included trips to London, Scotland, golf excursions, tours of Ireland, and plenty of nights out. The exchange rate is tough.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The people I met
• The beautiful sights
• Rugby, Beer, Jameson, Culture

• Communication between Delaware and Ireland
• Bigger beds and showers

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer