Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (General Studies, American College Dublin) - abroad from 09/01/2009 to 12/18/2009 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was truly an experience of a lifetime. I met some of my best friends, had the opportunity to travel Europe, and was able to learn so much throughout the entire trip. Everyone at ACD was so accommodating and so unbelievably helpful, I can't thank them enough!

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.

Great program - the teachers were excellent, understanding, and so helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

American College Dublin was so accommodating. We had two incredible apartments on Clarendon Street, right next to famous Grafton Street. The apartment was in safe area, modern, clean, and came with pots, pans, towels, TVs, etc. It was gorgeous! And right in the center of Dublin - walking distance to EVERYTHING!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Studying abroad at ACD was an experience of a lifetime. I met an amazing group of friends that will be in my life forever. We only had classes four days a week, which allowed us to explore Dublin on the week nights and Europe on the weekends! We traveled across Europe to countless countries including Italy, Czech Republic, Scotland, England, and Spain. We also had the chance to explore Ireland, which is absolutely gorgeous! Our program director, Colum, was also so helpful and made our experience so exciting. When we first arrived, he took all of us to the Jameson Factory, gave us a tour of Dublin, and simply welcomed us to the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dublin is a safe city, but like everywhere, it's best to travel in groups and be aware of your surroundings!

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)

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

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • The friends I made!
  • The location was ideal! So central to everything.
  • The staff was amazing - so helpful and made the transition easy for all of us.
* What could be improved?
  • More trips planned with the school? Everything was great, I can't think of much!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would've planned even more trips to European cities - the flights are so unbelievably cheap which makes traveling so easy.