Fun, but the classes could have went better Past Review
By A student (Finance And Economics, Bentley University) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/21/2013 with
ISA Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland
Basically how to adjust to a new lifestyle. I do not regret doing it
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. |
As a Bentley student I found it extremely difficult to adjust to classes at UCD. This was honestly the biggest culture shock I had. I am not the greatest of test takers, so when I found out that most of my finals were about 70% of my grade, I immediately became stressed out. Most of my exams ended up being very difficult and it makes me instantly regret taking any major classes. However, I really did not have the option to not take them. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The only reason the host country administrator did not get a higher rating was her attitude towards the Bentley students. After our apartment was broken into twice, she showed little sympathy and seemed like she was upset with us. This felt unfair and caused many of my colleagues to not have a high opinion of the on site administration. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In terms of location, the apartment could not have been better. The apartment itself was certainly not the nicest, but I guess it was livable as a college student. The landlord was a bit unpleasant at times. Also we were broken into twice, but I just blame that on bad luck. |
| * Food: |
Dublin is pretty americanized in terms of groceries, so if you can cook you had no problem. Getting take out was very pricey though. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since I lived with 13 other Bentley students, there was not much of reason for me to go out and find new "Irish" friends. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There were no instances to be addressed. |
| * Safety: |
Our apartment got broken into a couple of times. The local police were not the most helpful when needed. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up your money and try not to eat out too often |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How classes were graded. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
