Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was life changing! Past Review

By (Merrimack College) - abroad from 01/29/2018 to 05/31/2018 with

Griffith College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of independence from studying about for a semester. I was able to make friends and make memories.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The onsite administration for the program were very helpful. If I had any questions about my classes, internship, or Dublin they were happy to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the college dorms. There were four people per apartment, two bathrooms and a kitchen.

* Food:

There was a dining hall, however I never used it I just cooked food on my own

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very comfortable living in Dublin. I honestly think it was because the Irish and the Americans both speak English so I was able to interact with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have health issues but I knew a few people who did and they were fine and were able to get treatment and medication.

* Safety:

I never really felt unsafe in Dublin. Overall the country is really safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Ireland is beautiful and has so much to offer. I loved hiking and getting to know Dublin.

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)

I did a lot of traveling so I spent a lot of money. However If you are not planing on traveling you should be okay with $100- $150 a week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I liked that my program offered the internship experience
  • The CAPA program offered to day trips to Belfast and Galway
  • The CAPA program also gave free transportation. I was able to use the Dublin Bus system for free
* What could be improved?
  • Getting an Irish visa was a little stressful because it is something you do when you get to Ireland. I just wish I had more time to start planning for a visa.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is very important to keep an open mind when you go to new places and meet new people. You will learn so much about yourself and the world we live in you just need to have a positive mindset.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.