Dubuque to Dublin Past Review

By (Loras College) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/19/2016 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 learned a lot about myself, especially being away from my family. I felt like my internship didn't give me many opportunities for my major, or for cultural experiences. However, everything else was wonderful.

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 attended IADT in Dun Laoghaire, which is about a 30-40 minute bus ride from Dublin. The lectures where interesting, however the discussion portion of the class wasn't very interactive or engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments weren't that nice, there were water issues in the bathroom. The kitchen wasn't furnished at all, so I ended up spending my own money to buy pans and silverware to cook with. The room was always very cold.

* Food:

I never had an issue finding anything at Tesco, and there are great places to eat everywhere.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My internship didn't really allow me to meet with locals often, and it was difficult to meet people in to apartments unless they were roommates or friends of friends. I got to most feel for local culture when I was walking in the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No vaccines where needed for this program, and I never attended the doctor while abroad so I don't know how it compares. Cold medicine is available at all grocery stores and pharmacies.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. Even when walking back from my internship alone at night.

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

It was challenging at times, but it was a great opportunity.

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)

Pretty easy, most of my money when to food and plane tickets.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average probably about 40-50 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work during the holidays before you leave, and try not to spend as much money on things you can get after your trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The history in Ireland
  • The location of where we stayed
  • Being able to get around the city easily
* What could be improved?
  • Living situations
  • Assignments for the weekly journal
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How cold it is, make sure to have lots of blankets.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.