Ireland: The land of the happy and green Past Review
By Ashley K (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) for
Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes. I got to live in a whole new country for four months. I met friends I know I will forever keep. I was taken out of my comfort zone and forced to spend such a long period of time with complete strangers in a country different from America.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was out of 70 instead of 4.0 or 100 which was different. Teaching methods were similar but we did not have quizzes or midterms. The only thing my professors received from me was my final paper which was what my final grade was based on. There was hardly any class participation. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was nothing I would change about my program. I had several opportunities to meet both local and American students. I also felt well-prepared for the semester to come after attending my three week semester start up program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Ireland is a hard place to live if you're a vegetarian. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to the North of Ireland which is considered the UK and got to see several amazing sites such as Giant's Causway and Bushmill's Distillary. I also went to various plays and Christmas Markets. I enjoyed the authentic pub scene and attended some debates on campus. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Dublin is a very safe city, I never felt nervous about getting robbed or kidnapped. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to buy food at the grocery store and avoid eating out. Use discount airlines when booking flights. Use hostels when traveling, many were very nice and clean. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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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