I'm on study abroad right now, actually, in Ireland (I'm from the US). My school had a program with Trinity College Dublin, and it's been mostly a good experience. I've learned a lot by being here, and it gave me a lot of perspective in my studies, since I'm a history/archaeology major. I opted to spend a semester abroad rather than a year, and for me, that was the right choice. Five months away from home felt like a lot, since I'm pretty young and I'd never really been away before on my own. Some people think the semester is too short...so I guess it just depends on you.

The odd thing I've noticed about being abroad is that what you miss most is just how easy everything is at home. At home, you can take stuff for granted. If you get sick at home, you know where the pharmacy is and what meds to buy and you know what doctors you can ask. If you get sick away from home, though, you don't know these things and finding them out is a pain. So you have to be prepared to deal with your own problems and ask for help when you need it.

If you want to know anything else, please don't hesitate to PM me. I hope your experience is good.