A bleak review, but still a rewarding experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

UCD was not very academically challenging and even the professors knew that--most said that although lectures are optional, students are encouraged to attend--something I am NOT at all used to coming from Brandeis. However, their lax attitude does not translate to their grades. Although I did all the work, studied, did well on essays throughout the semester, and attended lectures, my final grades did not reflect my work or previous essay grades. I did learn a lot from my classes, though. The lecturers were definitely knowledgeable in their fields and it offered me a new perspective on subjects I was only familiar with through an American school system.

On-site administration of your program

Helpful when contacted and needed. However the headquarters was in the city centre, which made it very difficult for all students who were not at Trinity to regularly check in.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Glenomena was nice since we had our own rooms and bathrooms, but it was extremely disappointing that most study abroad students I knew lived in Belgrove and even more disappointing--I had no Irish roommates which separated me from the Irish students right off the bat.

I made my own food

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was extremely difficult to integrate with the local culture since on most days I was stuck on campus. With large lecture courses, it is difficult to meet new students and joining clubs was a nightmare--not only did you have to pay to join clubs (very understandable given the education system in Irish universities), but the clubs I did join never publicised their events or tried to include new people. Irish students didn't seem very interested in meeting study abroad students who wouldn't be there long. I integrated myself in the culture only when I talked to strangers on my excursions.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got pretty sick twice during my stay in Dublin, and Arcadia was really helpful in finding me a doctor quickly and helping with the insurance hassle. UCD on the other hand was less accommodating. The first time I was sick, I had a double ear infection and simply needed antibiotics, but they refused to see me and said I would have to either go back to them in two weeks (obviously too late) or go to a local doctor's office, which I did but it was very difficult since I wasn't very familiar with the bus system yet and even more unfamiliar with the medical system.

I have never felt more safe than I did in Ireland, including UCD's campus and the city centre.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Dublin's expensive, so it's pretty difficult unless you just stay on campus the whole week, which I don't recommend because you'll miss out on a lot. Groceries are reasonable if you're willing to make the trek/pay for the bus to Spar or Tesco.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Traveling
• Learning about new cultures
• Nothing beats Irish craic

• Communication
• Integration