Not For Me August 15, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I personally did not thrive in this environment, partially due to personal difficulties in adjusting (for example, I got COVID, and I also wasn't able to take classes that were actually in my major). But I also felt that there was a lack of real support at Trinity. I found it difficult to find resources or information for my classes. I also wasn't used to classes where there was much less of a personal one-on-one relationship between professors and students. My initial tour of the college was very brief and given by someone who hadn't known they'd be giving a tour that day. I enjoyed the lectures and field trips at the beginning of the trip, but in general I think it would have been better if they made the initial introduction summer program less academically rigorous, and more focused on culture and socialising, as people adjust to being at a new university, in a new country. I also found my classes

On-site administration of your program

As I said, I was generally frustrated by the lack of accessibility for resources at Trinity. Everything felt very disorganised (like the fact that the entire university registers for classes through a google form, and so it takes up to three days before you know if you've been approved for a class.) The two administrators for the two-week intro study abroad student program were very nice and friendly, however!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were fine, but a little more isolated and independent than I was used to in dorm living -- definitely an adjustment. Mostly, I found/heard from others that the cost of living in third party student housing was exorbitant, and I knew many people from other study abroad programs who had to stay in hostels until they were able to find their own housing. The housing is definitely not affordable or accessible -- for example, the Kavanagh Court doors are very heavy and have no automatic open. The laundry was also extremely expensive, although I understand that these are not necessarily issues that the study abroad program can specifically address.

In general, food was good! It was mostly nice being able to cook for myself!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I received very little helpful information from the program or from my university on healthcare, receiving medications, scheduling doctor's appointments, etc. In general I was displeased with the disorganisation of Trinity, and Trinity's website -- I found it hard to find helpful student resources. However the local healthcare in Dublin -- which is much more universal and therefore much less expensive -- is far superior to the United States healthcare system, even just as a study abroad student. COVID tests and medicine, for example, were much cheaper.

Dublin itself was a fairly small city (I also come from NYC) and so felt mostly safe -- however I think the area I was staying in was a bit dodgier, and as a woman walking alone at night there were several moments I definitely felt unsafe around the area of Kavanagh Court, when I was either catcalled or followed home.

It was definitely not for me -- I should have taken classes I was really passionate about, and gone somewhere with more support and structure, in a smaller community. I also would rather have gone somewhere where I could really work on my language skills. I didn't love the city of Dublin, although I did think Ireland was beautiful.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Travelling Ireland
• Independence
• Cooking

• Organization
• Support
• Resouces

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