Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Irish Immersion Past Review

By (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Palm Beach Atlantic University) - abroad from 06/06/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

Global Experiences: Internships in Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Global Experiences really stands out to me as an outstanding internship placement program because the staff were always extremely honest and considerate. Going abroad can be an extremely intimidating thing, and I was extremely impressed with GE through their ability to relate to the students. I honestly felt like I was able to feel at home away from home. And what better place to do that than Dublin, Ireland? I feel so much more connected with the world after my summer abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

Very good housing. Felt very safe!

* Food:

Bought most of meals on my own.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Dublin is a wonderful city. I would go back in a heartbeat!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luckily no significant issues came up during my summer program, but health insurance was claerly addressed before I left for Dublin.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euro, give or take
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack food, keep leftovers, buy ziploc bags before you go, and try not to bring too much stuff.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Immersing myself in the Irish culture
  • Irish cuisine!
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication with your program advisor...some of the events were announced a little last minute.
  • A formal social calendar of all events planned for the summer.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bother bringing shorts to Dublin...it's pretty chilly all year round. But I live in Florida, so perhaps that opinion is a bit skewed. Also, I wish I had known that they drive on the left hand side in Ireland!