Past Review

By Lauren K (Global Studies in Business and Economics, Providence College) for

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Everything about study abroad was worthwhile, even the things that didn't go so well. You're on a whole new learning curve and you adjust quickly and you have a blast while you're seeing the world and meeting new people. There is nothing negative I can really say about it. Even the cost, even though it's a worry, doesn't come close to outweighing everything you get from studying abroad. DO IT! You'll love it.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Studying abroad is amazing and if you're thinking about it, do it. The Irish have a totally different perspective on education because they don't pay for it and because GPAs are only now starting to be phased in and aren't that important. The Irish are tracked and declare their major ahead of time, which was an interesting take on college to be a part of. Everyone is approachable, and it's understandable even in the academic field to understand why the Irish are considered the most friendly people in the world. Overall, great experience but very very different, so just be prepared to do a lot of work on your own if your classes count toward your GPA because noone else will be doing any.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The Arcadia people stationed in Ireland were amazing. They organized a great orientation which included meeting other Americans and sending us on touring trips (the Irish students go home on weekends so this was a huge benefit and gave us people to tour the country with when we weren't at school). They also organized day and weekend trips throughout the semester, and sent emails on recipes for cooking and other things that made us feel supported and welcome.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Three bedroom apartment that I shared with two Irish girls. <br /><br /> Location in Belfield was right on campus and close to everything which was great. Living with "1st-years" was a little more difficult because I was three years older than them and at a different stage in life in many ways, but we made it work. We also did a 3 day home stay in Gorey, which was great all around.
* Food:	Grocery stores were fairly close to campus, easy to walk/bus to them.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The Irish are incredibly welcoming people and love a good time. Pub life is a staple of their entire week, and they go out several nights during the week, more as a social thing than a drinking thing. Nightlife is great but expensive, and there's no shortage of bars. There's also a lot of museums, and other things to do in the city during the day (shopping, restaurants, etc.) so you shouldn't get bored. Had a great time.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Just know that when you use your ATM cards, you're getting charged 5 dollars every time at your bank back home. It adds up, so when you use the ATM take out enough to last you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Intermediate Microeconomics
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Comments:	This is the most difficult econ class there is, according to my professor. It's a very manageable workload, but for sure attend the tutorials because the problems you work on there will be on the final. If you take it, be prepared to keep up on your own and try not to get into the Irish tendency of NEVER going to class.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Financial Accounting
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Comments:	Just know ahead of time that the international accounting standard is different than the one you use in the US. The two aren't that different, but just know that there are some aspects you'll have to relearn if you're going to be applying it to future accounting classes in the US.
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