Epic time at Dublin City University Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., Mount Aloysius College) - abroad from 02/05/2014 to 06/01/2014 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Dublin - Semester in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Never sit at home whenever something else is going on. Get out of your comfort zone and see what else is out there. It was 100% worth it.

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.

DCU College was lovely in itself. But the academic aspect was a lot different the United States. It was a lot less structured and it seemed that the professors were never organized.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were willing always willing to help you, but I felt that they always told you to go someplace else. You were always told to go to three different places before you actually got to the correct place.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at Shanowen Square and it was the best! I made friends with a lot of the other international students who stayed at different places and I believe mine was by far the nicest. I roomed with some really lovely people as well.

* Food:

Love the food! I would go back to Dublin, Ireland just for the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with three Irish girls and they told me a lot about their lives and the culture. The Irish were also so nice and willing to help out, I definitely feel like I got the full Ireland experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any problems with my health while I was over there. However, I didn't really know what I would do if I was really ill.

* Safety:

I never once felt like I was in any danger. Shanowen Square had a guard on duty at night time and was a gated apartment complex. The city always felt safe to me, even when I was walking at night time.

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)

It all depends on the week. Whenever I went on a tour which cost around 35 euro I would spend more money or bought grocery's I would spend $100 a week. Sometimes I would spend very little money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 30-40 dollars a week on food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go and buy food once a week. There is a leap card for students for the bus and buy it.

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met.
  • The places I went.
* What could be improved?
  • What would happen if we get ill.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What to pack and what not to pack.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'