AHA International: Dublin, Ireland. The Instituiton of Art, Design, and Technology. Past Review
By Justin C (Video Production, Southern Oregon University) for
GEO: Dublin - Study Abroad Programs in Dublin
It made that place of the world constantly possible to travel to in the future. It helped my learn about what it means to be Irish. It expanded my knowledge of transatlantic history. I learned about Celtic folklore and Irish mythology. And finally, I learned about Tir na nOg, which is a Celtic Heaven.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Institution of Art, Design, and Technology - Ireland. And The University of the Virgin Islands - St. Thomas. |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought it was all fair. The workload, the grading system, the teaching methods - they were all affective. I blogged my experience so I took an artistic approach in what I comprehended. The most obvious difference between school in Dublin, Ireland and school at my home University in Oregon was that the course in Ireland (being a summer course) was only 5 weeks, whereas a term in my home University is 10 weeks. What I felt was so special, exciting, and rewarding about the program in Dublin, was the weekly travel excursions on Wednesdays. For 5 weeks, every Wednesday, we went to a new amazing travel location. This was very adventurous. It was fun to take pictures and learn about ancient places. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The support services for the Dublin program were excellent. Daniel Dwyer really helped me with all the challenges I faced during my travels. All my electronic online errands were easy to make right after he helped me. The stressful aspects of communication with family and friends at home were something Daniel Dwyer helped me tackle. He did this by helping me set up a SKYPE account so that I could be in touched with loved ones on the other side of the world. I was privileged to learn about my own heritage and the history of the Irish men. I loved meeting the other students that became my classmates. The social aspect of the program was very encouraging. And I really felt a sense of being rewarded for creating internet journals to chronicle my experience there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My second host family was very hospitable and kind. They were supportive and entertaining. |
| * Food: |
The food was badass. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Seeing the castles of Ireland was amazing. Going on a Paddy Wagon tour with friends was one of the funnest things I have ever done. The fellow students really enjoyed my fun company. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only problems I faced while I was there, was my own emotional ups and downs. I have psychiatric conditions that became enhanced with the feelings of culture shock. I managed though. It was nothing that became detrimental. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If your Irish, don't look back. Go for it with all your heart. |
