A must do once in a lifetime experience! Past Review

By (Irish American University - IAU) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/09/2013 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more about myself and also learned about the different culture of the Irish and it was definitely all worthwhile.

Review Photos

American College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo American College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

I had a great educational experience doing International Business in Dublin, and got to see and learn a lot more about Irelands economy as well as the rest of Europe's economy which really broadened my horizons.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program were great and very helpful. I really got the best out of the school and Ireland in general the whole five months I was there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Pretty dissatisfied, but I did not use the schools housing option, I chose a different apartment (Lad Lane apartments). I strongly suggest for people studying in Dublin to not use this housing. I really wished I had used the school housing after all.

* Food:

Good, was pretty expensive but it was good to feel more independent and buy and cook my own food all the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture, the Irish people are very friendly and open to all, so I really enjoyed it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dublin is a very safe city, so safe the the police (Garda) don't even carry guns on them. I felt much safer there than I ever did in the USA.

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)

I would say 2.5-3 because food and drinks in the pub are fairly expensive but I managed well and it was a good experience for budgeting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 50-100 max.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Dublin be careful with the pubs your money can go fast, make sure to set enough money aside for food for the week too.

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

  • International Students
* 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?
  • Being in a cool city.
* What could be improved?
  • A few more trips maybe.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
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.