Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Had great times but could have been more prepared March 24, 2022

By (English with creative writing, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2021 to 12/15/2021 with

Trinity College - Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Made friends from all around the world who I remain in contact with, got a glimpse of European perspectives (i.e. on world issues) and systems (i.e. education and healthcare). I believe it was worthwhile because I learned a lot about myself and other people!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The administration was very unresponsive (likely partly due to the pandemic), causing a lot of stress.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? During the day, walk as much as you can. It's a great way to observe the city you're in.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Many great extracurricular opportunities.
* What could be improved?
  • Administration that is more attuned and responsive to student needs.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was very difficult to enter this program as the only student from my college. I made many good relationships, but I felt very isolated at times, especially at the beginning because I had so many questions and wished for someone non-administrative and non-intimidating I could work with to figure things out.

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!