Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trinity College Dublin- Confusing at First, but Give it Time and You'll Love It Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was worthwhile, I learned how to be a lot more flexible and roll with the unknown. I did learn a lot more about modern Ireland.

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.

It was less rigorous than my home university, but that in turn enabled me to travel more, however it was more rigorous than other study abroad experiences I've talked about with my friends, mainly due to taking classes with Trinity students instead of having it be a separate program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a lot of lack of communication before coming to Trinity between us and the Administration. Registration for classes happened on paper and when we arrived, without too much guidance. This involved lots of running about. Also they didn't warn us that we would have to apply for a longer term visa that cost 300 euros before we actually arrived at the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Once I was at my living arrangements, it was excellent. I was in Goldsmith Hall which had suite like apartments. The location could not be any better, very close to classes. However, there was miscommunication beforehand about whether I could get on campus housing. Press for this, if someone tells you no. It's difficult to founding housing in Dublin on your own.

* Food:

I didn't eat any food on campus and instead opted to cook for the entire semester, which worked out better and saved me money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You definitely have to be proactive on this in terms of making friends with Trinity students. But I found the organizations, especially the Knitting Society, to be very welcoming and friendly and it's where I felt most intergrated with local culture. Also Doyle's near campus is a great pub.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have a pre-existing condition that required me to get it checked out in a hospital. I got an appointment for the next day and for cheaper than what I pay in the States. Hospitals are very accessible in Dublin.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Dublin, especially since we were so much in the center. But you do have to be aware in those areas since that's where tourists mainly are and pickpocketing happens like in any major city in the US

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I absolutely loved living in Dublin and that whole experience, the classes were not as much what I was expecting but I at least really valued my Irish Politics Class.

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)

Groceries I could get for about 20-30 euros a week and then have money left in my budget for travel and going out at night.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80-100 euros a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking for yourself is fairly easy and it helps balance out how expensive pubs can be. 5 euros is about average for a pint of Guinness in Dublin, cheaper when you go out of Dublin. Don't go to Temple Bar for Pubs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

* 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
  • At a University
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation beforehand
  • Communication with Students on Academic Structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Trinity was very much a tourist sight too so be prepared to be surrounded by lots of non-students too and that Trinity is often times not clear on policies so you have to be proactive.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!