BA in European Business

JC06

Just wondering has anyone done this course or know anyone who has?? It's the one where you can do two years study abroad.It sounds good!I was thinking of doing it when I leave school and was wondering if anyone has any info on it.Thanks if you do!!

janney5

I'm in third year of the French programme, currently residing in France. First 2 years are easy enough, no real problems that a little work can't get you through. The real deal starts when you move abroad for the final 2 years (although there is now an option to return to DCU for the final year). All depends on which programme you want to choose, either France, Spain, Germany or the US. Which one are you thinking about?

JC06

Thanks for the reply.I was thinking about the US programme.Do you know anything about this one? Either that one or the one you're doing.:D

janney5

The US is the one I would choose, if you can get the points that is. The reason for this is purely down to the language. Courses in Germany, Spain and France are all conducted through the native language, along with all exams and assessments. Although manageable, a good proficiency in the language is still needed, speaking about the French link from first hand experience, DCU does not provide this. All other nationalities here have a much higher level of French than the Irish, well except the Americans. You wont come across this problem in America, for obvious reasons.

The course itself is a great course really for what it gives you at the end- 2 work placements, 2 degrees and second language (depending which link you choose). However unless you're good at the languages and willing to put in the extra work I would choose the US link. Saying that, the time I've spent here in Reims has been great, it really is an amazing experience to live and study in another country! Gives you a whole new outlook on life. Any questions you have just throw them my way, I remember not having any information about this course when I put it down on the CAO. One guy didn't even know that he had to spend 3rd and 4th year abroad on the first day!

JC06

Thanks, reading you post has really made me want to do this more! I just have to try get the points now! Just a few more Q's and then I'll leave you alone!! How are you finding the work placements? Do they cover the cost of everything? And regarding living abroad, do you live on their campus or do you have to find your own accomadation? Do you come home at any time during the two years abroad? What sort of jobs are on offer at the end of your degree? Thanks for all the info

neGev

I did the Euro Business & French option and I wouldn't recommend it.
DCU don't prepare you nearly well enough for the work you'll be facing abroad.

My course started with ~25 in first year. This year, fourth year, there are 2 people left in the course. The year before us had one Irish person graduating.
Everyone else from Ireland dropped out or transferred.
Also bear in mind that if you go abroad for one year, you MUST pass all exams abroad in order to return to do the final year in DCU. In addition, you won't recieve your second degree, only one from DCU.

The failure rate for exams in DCU is roughly 33%. The comparable rate in Reims is 80%. If you're thinking about it, be fluent before you go abroad.
It's not just isolated to the French stream either, it was the same deal with the guys who went to Germany in our year. The Spanish stream never even got enough applicants in first year, so the few who did apply had to transfer into EBF or EBG. I don't know if that's changed in recent years.

That said, if you can get the points for EBT(US), I'd go for it.

JC06 wrote:

Thanks, reading you post has really made me want to do this more! I just have to try get the points now! Just a few more Q's and then I'll leave you alone!! How are you finding the work placements? Do they cover the cost of everything? And regarding living abroad, do you live on their campus or do you have to find your own accomadation? Do you come home at any time during the two years abroad? What sort of jobs are on offer at the end of your degree? Thanks for all the info

Work placements in Ireland are decent. Most people find them tolerable at least; 6 months isn't a long time. Personally, I loved mine.
France is another story. There's no INTRA system like in DCU - you have to go find your own job by yourself, with little to no help from the French college. Wages in Ireland are roughly €320 - €350 per week. Wages in France are roughly €300 - €400 per month. Bear in mind you'll probably be living in Paris too, it's expensive. In France, you *may* get food/transport tickets to cover the costs. You'll have to organise that yourself with the company.
Living in France, you'll almost certainly have to look for your own accommodation, but there is some on-campus accommodation.
Landlords over there can be total cúnts too, so be warned.
Regarding coming home, you can fly Aer Lingus or Ryanaer relatively cheaply. As usual, the Ryanaer airport is difficult to get to.
Aer Lingus fly to Charles De Gaulle. Most people went home 2/3 times between the start of semester 1 and Christmas, some stayed in France all that time.

PM me if you want to know more, it's probably not as bad as I made it sound

janney5

JC06 wrote:

Thanks, reading you post has really made me want to do this more! I just have to try get the points now! Just a few more Q's and then I'll leave you alone!! How are you finding the work placements? Do they cover the cost of everything? And regarding living abroad, do you live on their campus or do you have to find your own accomadation? Do you come home at any time during the two years abroad? What sort of jobs are on offer at the end of your degree? Thanks for all the info

Work placement in Ireland was grand, plenty to choose from with INTRA. Good wages too, I was on €420 a week, so gave me plenty of time to save for France. Some were on a little bit less, all depends where you find. Best bet is to apply early for the good jobs, don't have to worry about that for a long while. Although it wont cover it all, you will need help from the parents.

Accommodation can be a pain to find in France, a lot more admin involved here. But there is on campus too, which is outta the way but a lot less hassle. Have to say we actually found an amazing spot on the main street, but we got kinda lucky.

You can come home as much as you want, only been home once myself so far, but Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Air France all fly a few times a day. Ryanair is the cheapest by a long shot, but also a bit more outta the way. Still, I'd say worth the savings, as there can be a huge difference.

I'd say go for the US link myself, but if you feel you have the language I'd say go for it in any case. But be warned, it is tough! Any more questions, just ask. neGev has a better idea than me, and I am thinking of transferring so maybe not the best person to recommend it to.

JC06

Thanks, both of you for all the information it has really helped! The whole accomodation thing is a little daunting but shouldnt be that bad I suppose. The work placements sound grand which is good. I'm afraid now of failing the exams(thats if I actually get into the course!!) I still want to do the America one, I'd do the France one if I had better French! I've always wanted to know what It'd be like to study abroad so this sounds like the perfect course for me...It sounds like a challenge though.
Have either of you heard any feedback(good or bad) about the American one? Again, thanks for all the help:)

neGev

Get the points for EBT and do it, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

From what I've heard, the guys over there are having a blast. They're in Northeastern U in Boston, so the place is full of Irish expats and the like anyway. As far as I know, nobody has dropped out of it yet.
Seems to be by far the best option in EB, the common language really makes things easier.