Ireland: A life-changing experience! Past Review

By (History/secondary education, Oakland University) for

GEO: Dublin - Study Abroad Programs in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel much more independent after studying abroad. I also am much more ope minded about other people's culture. I learned so much more being immersed in the culture. It made me want to travel the world and so far I have been, as I am writing this review from Italy!

Review Photos

AHA International: Dublin - Summer Cultural Studies Photo

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.

I was very pleased with the teaching methods, grading system, and workload that the program had. I felt like I worked enough to earn my grades, learned so much about the topics, and the teachers really knew how to integrate the out of classroom experiences with the classroom topics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations about all of the above were met and exceeded. The support and accessibility was amazing. I loved the small program size and how each student was catered to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My first host family was unwelcoming and I did not feel welcome in their house. I did not feel comfortable. I was also far away from the school and other friends. Due to that, I moved and LOVED my second host family. They were very welcoming but also gave me space and freedom. They were also in a better location.

* Food:

My host dad was a chef, it could not have gotten better! I did not eat out very often, but I loved Harry's Cafe in Dun Laoghaire.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved to field trips to Glasnevin cemetery and the Gaelic Athletic Association/Croke Park.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt so safe in all of Ireland. I was never sick and did not experience the healthcare system.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Size of school/program
  • trips included with program
  • location of school
* What could be improved?
  • check host families
  • ask students more questions about the family they would like to be with
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are thinking about studying abroad, DO IT! It is well worth the money and it is an experience you will not be able to do later in life. It is so much better than just traveling to that country. I was nervous about making friends, but I met some of my best friends there and created amazing memories with them!