Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin: My Perspective Changing Experience Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Loras College) - abroad from 01/04/2015 to 05/15/2015 with

IADT - Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology: Dun Laoghaire - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I absolutely loved my experience abroad and it was more than worth my while. My entire outlook on life changed after coming home. It is hard to put in words, but I can feel a distinct difference in the person I was before I left and the person who returned to America.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Loras classes were fantastic and incredibly rigorous which challenged me and was great. However, the IADT classes were not challenging in the least.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Loras side of things was perfectly administered, but the IADT side was not great. There was no contact after the first day we were on campus.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was perfect, but the apartments themselves were not up to par.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The internship was the piece of the program that immersed me most in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was only sick once and McG was incredible about it.

* 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? 100-150euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? get few groceries, often if it seems like its way expensive for something simple- it probably is, check out other options!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Internship
  • Travel Experience
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Irish Classes
  • Immersion in School
  • Residences
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is incredibly hard to transition back to the life I led before my trip. I should have done preparation and training as I did before I initially left to go to Ireland.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.