Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing travel and learning experience Past Review

By (Biological Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I've lived in other countries before but it was great to be able to live in such a friendly country and learn how to navigate by myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes I took (history, biology, and film) were great but there was not much in class work. The entire class grade counted on two papers that were handed in at the end of the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I participated in the SSP that Trinity provides which did a great job about teaching us about Irish culture. It also gave us a chance to familiarize ourselves with Dublin and the campus before the rest of the students arrived. Trinity itself was very accomodating to most of the students, allowing us to take almost any class.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Since I participated in the SSP, I was guaranteed on campus housing. The suite was made up of two Irish students and two study abroad students and worked out really well.

* Food:

We cooked our own food - Trinity had no meal plan

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not use health care - if i was sick I went to the pharmacy

* Safety:

I felt safe the entire time I was in Dublin. Since it is a city, people should be aware that there are dangers but I never had a problem walking alone during the day or night.

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)

Most places had a student discount for us to use. The real budget buster was travelling to other countries.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably about 30-40 Euros on groceries and I'd say another 20 euros for other things.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • SSP location - should be moved onto campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew better the type of clothes I should have packed. Also, it was unclear to almost everyone on the SSP program that we werent living on campus for the orientation program.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.