University College Dublin (UCD)

Actually I haven't studied at the University, but I only applied for application process of the English Exam IELTS - Intenational English Language Testing System to Language Department at this University. I passed that Exam at the University in October 2003. Exam took about 5 hours and included four parts: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking. It was worth to take this exam because it gives me international qualification

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Study Abroad students are assigned advisors at the host university who can help them get acclimated. Take advantage of meeting with these advisors, they are valuable resources whom are there to help you!!

I was unaccustomed to the conventional means of assessment. For 3 of my classes, the final exam counted for 100% of the grade - this was foreign to me, and I found myself needing to adapt to the new academic norms.

I had a lot of classes cancelled or change time without notice.

If you have a Laptop I would bring it because there is wireless interet access throughout the campus and the computer lab is terrible. You have to wait up to 30 mins to get a computer and try at least 4 untill you get one that works. Plus they are using really old software.

I found the marketing courses really interesting and useful. The financial courses are maybe the best courses of that University: great teachers, the courses cover every aspect of finance, but they are maybe the most difficult

I would suggest any improvements to the Italian academic life

It was a very different teaching style to what I was used to. Skimming many subjects rather than taking a few and actaully understanding them. Mainly lectures and little to no opportunity for real discussion and interaction with the course, fellow students and lecturers.

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The system is very different to what we are used to in the U.S. Best recommendation is to just go along with the flow and make the best of it.

The system is a bit difficult for U.S. students to work with but I wouldn't recommend changing it, just being prepared for it.