Life in Dublin Past Review

By (Psychology, Hope College) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, and gained so much confidence that it cannot be measured. It was incredibly worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Trinity College Dublin library alone was practically a religious experience for anyone dedicated to knowledge and learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved having knowledgable staff at hand.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It could have been slightly closer to Trinity College, but it was in a phenomenal location, and very safe.

* Food:

Not provided through the program, but the food in Dublin was very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Societies (clubs) really helped with integration.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal health care issues, and no vaccines necessary.

* Safety:

Dublin itself felt very safe. I was in Paris for travel at the time of the Paris Terror attacks, and I was exceptionally glad to know that IES was watching over me. I recieved a call from the Chicago center and from the staff at the Dublin center within an hour of the beginning of the attacks, ensuring my safety and ready to give advice should I need it. I really appreciated the prompt response and the knowledge that someone knew where I was and was watching out for me.

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

I was immensely glad I chose to travel to Dublin through IES. The IES coordinated field trips to Northern Ireland and Causey Farm were some of the best experiences I had while I was abroad. Causey Farm was particularly interesting because I talked to a friend from Dublin, and she said she remembered the same trip from primary school! It was awesome to know that we were experiencing the same thing as those who lived in Ireland.

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)

Most expenses were things like personal travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get groceries instead of eating out!

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
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?
  • Field trips
  • Personal interaction with the Staff
  • Direct Enrolment
* What could be improved?
  • RA staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The essays will all pile up at the end of the term — start them early!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!