Making friends and meeting distant family. Past Review

By (Criminal Justice and Business Administration, American College Dublin) - abroad from 09/11/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Understanding from a multitude of international points of views (not only Ireland's, but other countries' depending on the student I was talking to). And so many other things that I can't even begin to touch on.

Review Photos

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program Photo American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program Photo American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program Photo American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program Photo American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program Photo

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.

I took classes that were required to fulfilll my degree (not general electives) so the coursework was to be expected, but I was surprised to find that the college had it scheduled so that I would only been in the classroom 3 days a week; leaving me plenty of time to go adventuring!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The house was way over-crowded and the landlord's son felt entitled and, coupling that with a severe anger problem, made it very difficult at times. We almost had the fight the first night I was there and that set the tempo between us for the rest of the semester. He also had friends that brought over hardcore drugs and narcotics (cocaine, etc) on numerous occassions which I was not okay with. There was also theft occurring at the residence and a lot of drama due to other students (one of which was actually asked not to return to the house after she left mid-semester to go home to America for a "family emergency"). I guess this was one of the first times that these events had happenned at the house, but I would definitely not suggest this Temple Bar residence in the future. And I would not return there is the landlord's son was still residing there.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any healthcare needs whil abroad, but a housemate did and he said it was not too difficult.

* Safety:

For a city I felt very safe. I often walked 2 miles to the gym and back between 12:00 midnight and 3:00 am.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The people I went to school with were phenomenal and the professors for the most part were superb. The school also put on a plethora of events to go to and it was often a lot of fun. The only downside was the few instances I mentioned about the housing assignment, but besides that I'd go back another semester if I could.

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)

Needed help from my family back home because I wasn't able to save enough money before leaving, but besides that it was not too bad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly 150-200Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving the semester before you travel and keep saving until the last minute. You want to be able to not have to worry about running out of money throughout your 4-months. Don't go too overboard while you're there, you still have to budget, but the more money the better.

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

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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 amount of events the college put on
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • Even more events could never hurt
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to play rugby.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.