Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely unbelievable and unforgettable! Past Review

By (Psychology, BA, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/21/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

University College Dublin: Dublin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was definitely a worthwhile experience. I learned so much about other cultures and met so many amazing people. It gave me a deeper insight into how other people live and view the world which expanded my own personal view.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Dublin - University College Dublin Photo Direct Enrollment: Dublin - University College Dublin Photo Direct Enrollment: Dublin - University College Dublin Photo Direct Enrollment: Dublin - University College Dublin Photo Direct Enrollment: Dublin - University College Dublin Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was much slower than my home university but by they end they got everything taken care of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements went very smoothly and I had no problems with it.

* Food:

The food in Ireland is a little bland but still really good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is such a strong international community that it is sometimes hard to feel like you are a part of the Irish culture. Regardless, you still get exposure to it and it gives you a new insight.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any healthcare problems.

* Safety:

Overall, I felt really safe in the city and never really had any problems. Just make sure you stay in groups and watch out for each other.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €40

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The people
  • The classes
  • The professors
* What could be improved?
  • The administration
  • The organization
  • The information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that it takes UCD a long time to give out information regarding your acceptance to the school as well as the classes that are available. I also wish I would've known how differently the school system was set up before I went.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Counseling Psychology
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Margaret Daley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was unbelievably knowledgeable and really loved what she was teaching. She was willing to help any students who needed it. Participation in the class wasn't necessarily required but it made the class much more interesting. The work load wasn't horrible, but you did have to work in groups which could be tricky. Overall I highly recommend this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did have trouble transferring this credit to my home university so make sure this class is on your approved class list.
Course Name/Rating:

Ireland Uncovered

Course Department:
Instructor: Staff
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I did not enjoy this class because there was a different instructor every single class. There didn't seem to be any structure to the class and it was hard to determine what was important and what wasn't. We only took one field trip into the city and had 4 work packs to complete as well as one final. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did have trouble transferring this credit to my home university so make sure this class is on your approved class list.
Course Name/Rating:

Swahili
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Purity Mwendwa
Instruction Language: Swahili and English
Comments: This course was kind of challenging but very rewarding. The instructor was very good at teaching the language and was willing to help every single student considering it was a small class. A lot of outside work was required because you are learning language, but the instructor helps you every step of the way. You had to complete an assignment once a week and had a three part final at the end.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did have trouble transferring this credit to my home university so make sure this class is on your approved class list.
Course Name/Rating:

Music, Culture, and Society
Course Department:
Instructor: Jaime Jones
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The instructor for this course was incredible. She really knew the material backwards and forwards and engaged the classroom very well. We had a music summary due every week and three essays. Even though I'm not a music major, I was still able to do well in this class without previous knowledge of the technicalities of music.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did have trouble transferring this credit to my home university so make sure this class is on your approved class list.