Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin Research Abroad - Fun but not rigorous September 17, 2026

By (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/27/2026 to 07/21/2026 with

Arcadia: Dublin - Arcadia in Dublin Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained research experience the know-how to right literature reviews and an overall academic paper, which was very useful and worthwhile considering the time spent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really enjoyed my time in Dublin and a lot of the people I met, but I wish more effort had been made to integrate me into the lab sooner and get more work done, as well as connect with people who were not also Americans in Dublin.

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)

Food was very expensive in Ireland and not provided

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking is cheaper than eating out by a longshot

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 area and country
  • Living conditions on campus
  • Overall freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with Host university
  • Diversification of student environments
  • Assistance in food resources
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the lab I participated in, what would be done in the lab, and the exact work I would be doing while in Dublin.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!