Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad Ireland was an Incomparable Life Experience Past Review

By () for

Boston University: Dublin - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was amazing and I would without a doubt do it all over again. I gained a vast amount of cultural knowledge, of Ireland as well as many other European countries. I have become so much more well rounded as a person as I have gained better self-awareness, and global- awareness. I have definitely grown as a person and plan to continue my interest in foreign countries and will hopefully travel abroad again soon.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was less compared to the workload I am used to at PC. Teaching was similar, as it was mostly lecture based. However, a major difference were the field trips taken while abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was well organized and extremely helpful. However, one weakness that I found was the classes were not integrated with Irish students, but instead consisted of only students in the BU program. Also, the program did not make the gym facilities available to all students (only the engineering program had access to it).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed the housing experience as it allowed me to become really good friends with students in my program. The apartments were overall nice facilities The only problems we had were that the kitchen was under-supplied and the pots and pans that were provided were extremely old and falling apart.

* Food:

Food was not a part of the program. Students were independent to either pay for food at a restaurant or cook food in their apartment.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural experience is probably the best part of being abroad. Traveling to different countries such as Spain, France, and England was by far my favorite part. The program did offer a field trip to Northern Ireland which was extremely interesting and an overall tremendous experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Healthcare is definitely less accessible in Ireland than it is in the USA. The only was to be seen by a specialist doctor is by being referred by a GP first, or by going to the emergency room. It can be an extremely expensive experience depending on the situation. Wait time to see a specialist is also incredibly long, often months to see a physician. The program director did make herself very available to help in situations where students became ill. There were no prevalent health issues in Ireland and I did not need to receive any vaccines for this program.

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

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met.
  • My internship experience.
  • The culture of Ireland.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing utilities.
  • Gym accessibility.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would absolutely advise students to do this study abroad program. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as I gained amazing knowledge about myself, my education, and the world. I went to Ireland not knowing anyone in my program, and left with amazing friendships and memories. I think that anyone who wants to experience another culture and grow as an individual would benefit from this program.