Irish Immersion Past Review

By (Media Arts, Occidental College) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

IES Abroad: Dublin Direct Enrollment - Trinity College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I absolutely loved studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland and I wish I could have stayed the entire year! My favorite part about the experience was being directly enrolled into Trinity College and enjoying all of the academic (like the Book of Kells!) and social resources provided by the campus. The program allowed me to immerse myself in the student life at Trinity and befriend not only Irish students, but also international students from various continents studying at the historic college center. Clubs and societies, ranging from cultural to volunteer, offered the most gratifying ways to get involved in the social environment. Over the semester, I became active in Trinity’s Climbing Club, where I was welcomed into an energetic community and was able to explore Ireland through the unique perspective of rock climbers for irreplaceable memories of both Irish friends and the serene Irish countryside.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask about student deals at local coffee shops and restaurants as a lot of shops offer discounts!

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Academic Resources
  • Dublin City Life
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Expectations
  • IES On-Site Help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how quickly time would pass by! If I were to change anything, I would plan more trips during the beginning of the semester before the weeks became too busy!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'