Media Studies - year abroad??

dubdub123

Hi, my daughter is reviewing her CAO and is looking between Maynooths media studies and DCUs communications. One of the major advantages with Maynooth appears to be a year abroad at the end of second year. Do all/many students take advantage of this ? Is it open to everyone ?
Does anyone know what costs are involved? She has Maynooth down as her first option right now but I just want to ensure she's basing it on something that may realistically happen or find out if it's only a handful of wealthy students that take advantage of this. Would really appreciate any feedback over the w/e as CAO is closing.. Thanks !

Kinski

dubdub123 wrote: »

Do all/many students take advantage of this ? Is it open to everyone ?

It is open to everyone, and AFAIK language students are required to spend some time abroad, either for one summer or for a couple of semesters (so if your daughter chose Spanish as her second subject, she'd have visit a Spanish-speaking university for a while.)

I don't think many students not doing a language go on Erasmus, but it is possible. Someone studying media could go somewhere like Finland, where you'd find colleges offering some relevant modules taught through English.

Btw, DCU participates in Erasmus too, so she should be able to do the same there. Their Comms course is probably 4yr though, so 2 semesters would take her overall degree to 5.

Haven't a clue about cost.

dubdub123

Great, thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it. The comms course in DCU is 3 years in length and if she could incorporate Erasmus with that, it would be ideal (assuming she gets that offer and so on.. )..
Anyone happen to know a bit about Erasmus and how it works? Is it a year abroad or a summer abroad? Do the students take classes? Thanks so much

Norrdeth

It's the year in most cases, I did a year (2 semesters) in the Czech Republic.
You can choose classes that aren't even relevant to your degree.
So it really broadens not just your opinion of the subject you wish to study,
but also your opinions on life and culture in general,
and helps you shape a more all rounded view on the world and other cultures.
Invaluable experience in media I'd assume.

There's very little cost though, with most of your accommodation being covered by the Erasmus grant.
The fees are the same as your sending(home) university,
and once you are registered for your course at home you will be registered as a student abroad.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/european_education_programmes/erasmus.html

Normally with non-language students they would take languages in English,
but courses will accept students if they have the relevant language skills and can pass the exams.
It's not too difficult though as a year and you come out with a B.Int. in your degree area.
For example I came out with a B.Mus.(Int).

If you have more questions the best people to ask are the ones in the International office of the home university,
they will have all the answers and lots of booklets and information.