Study abroad experience in Dublin that gave me so much confidence and independence. Past Review
By Meagan F (Chemistry and Art History, Wellesley College) for
Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a very strong sense of independence and confidence in my self - reliance. Being abroad constantly puts you in situations where you just have to figure something out on your own in a totally new country without knowing anyone frequently. It changed my life and calmed me down. I don't worry about things as much and have been able to feel more comfortable with myself.
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 substantially less. There were very few assignments or assigned readings and no office hours. The bulk of the work came in preparing for the final exam. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The start up program I participated in was very helpful in setting me up to do well at Trinity |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very happy with the location and quality of my housing. I wish it had had more common spaces to facilitate meeting more students. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself. It was very easy. The grocery stores were very close and the kitchen had what I needed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved traveling within Ireland and exploring Dublin. It is such a great city and the surrounding country is stunning. While the busses take a while, they get you wherever you need to be and people are very friendly in Ireland. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues weren't addressed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | It costs about 250 euros to get your card from the guarda allowing you to be in the country for the semester. I loved the restaurants in Dublin but tried to cook for myself most of the time and spend my money on going out at night which is an essential part of the social life at Trinity. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who loves cities but also the countryside would love Ireland and specifically this program. Dublin is such a great city because its nightlife is awesome and full of young people. The pubs are lively and a great time just about any night of the week. |
