I Should Have Done a Year Abroad August 26, 2023
By Simeon N (Finance, Financial Services, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2023 to 05/05/2023 with
Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin
I find that my time abroad pushed me towards greater independence and taught me to overcome certain obstacles that I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. The differences in culture and education styles shifted my view as a student, and makes me excited to continue exploring new destinations and making new connections. My time abroad was absolutely a worthwhile experience and I truly recommend it to anyone with an inkling that this may be something they would want to do.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Although there were outlets for support, the host country administration was unable to accommodate my needs as an exchange student when presented with problems about the final examination dates. The administrations inflexibility ultimately resulted in the dropping of one of my required courses (after an entire semester of work) and was unable to receive credit for my academic work. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing had all the necessities for a comfortable living, although it was different than what was advertised when initially scouting the facilities. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although there were some hiccups with the administration I still greatly enjoyed my time spent in Dublin and am grateful for the friendships and experiences along the way. I would absolutely do it again if I could. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Dublin is one of the pricier destinations, however every penny spent was worth it. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget your nights out in the town/city as that is probably where most of your money will be "wasted". |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | 1. Adjusting to the culture and environment takes time and you shouldn't feel bad if you don't love it immediately 2. Expect the academic differences (a lot of individual responsibility) 3. If you're concerned about finances, budget yourself ahead of time but still have fun! |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
