Time of My Life in Dublin! Past Review

By (George Washington University) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be self-sufficient and to be comfortable making my own decisions. I learned that every culture is different, but that it's very easy to find your home even in a foreign city.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

WONDERFUL!!!! The Director and Staff were so welcoming and kind, and made me feel at home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had some hiccups, but nothing unmanageable. The administration did everything in their power to alleviate any problems!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Irish are unbelievably friendly, and it is very easy to enjoy local culture- it's everywhere!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to a doctor one time, and the IES Director gave me the contact information for a doctor.

* Safety:

There was a system in place for when we traveled out of the city, and a text system that allowed the administration to be in contact with every student within minutes.

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

It was an incredibly welcoming city and program, and I had a wonderful support system in IES.

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)

Dublin isn't the most or least expensive city- spend wisely and you'll be totally fine!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? If I was careful, I could spend less than 50E.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook! If you have a kitchen, make dinners and pack lunches. It saved me and my roommates a TON of money because we weren't eating out every night.

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

  • 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?
  • The People
  • My Classes
  • Travel Accessibility
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Distance
  • Registration help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had saved more money before going away. I knew I would be spending a lot, and I wasn't in a situation where I didn't have enough, but having more definitely would have made life a bit easier at times.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.