University College Dublin Past Review
By John S (Political Science, Dowling College) for
ISA Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland
The experience was helpful academically, studying in a different academic system, it was helpful for my independence, knowing how to live by myself, and in a foreign country.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was fair, and there is an expectation for students to be more independent from professors in Ireland. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Any problems that were had were fixed in a timely manner, very accessible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Individual bedrooms were great, and the common area was spacious and clean. Only problem was the lack of an oven which would be handy for cooking certain foods. |
| * Food: |
The food on campus is pretty cheap, and certainly good enough. The main restaurant was my favorite place to eat if I didn't feel like leaving campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The interstudy trip to Killarney is something I will always remember, and I had a lot of time to travel through much of Ireland throughout my stay. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No vaccines or medical services were necessary for me, but the city as a whole is safe, as long as common sense rules are followed while out. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Virtually any student can find this accessible. I am a rather introverted person, but was able to enjoy the social aspects quite a lot regardless. Be sure to join clubs so that you can get to know local students, some of the best people you will ever meet. Also talk to, and get to know Coleman a bit. He's a very memorable person, and you'll miss him when you leave! |
