Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin Adventures Past Review

By (Marketing., Bentley University) - abroad from 09/02/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most amazing experience I have ever had to opportunity to take part in. I learned so much about myself, how to survive on my own, and how to communicate with others. The abroad experience teaches you more life lessons than you could learn at home. Forcing yourself to be on your own creates an environment that demands independence and personal growth.

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.

Material was quite challenging, but the teaching was not as personal as I am used to from my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Awesome location, but not that safe.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dublin is a safe city, but as American students we were targeted by local people and our apartment was robbed.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to eat a lot during the first weeks! Spread out your money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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 city
  • The people I lived with
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • The apartment was falling apart a bit
  • More professor interaction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is an amazing experience and you have to take advantage of every single day!

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.