Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin: adventures of creativity, learning and sightseeing Past Review

By (University of Florida) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/10/2016 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In Dublin I gained incredible professional experience at my internship, and I made great friendships and connections with both Irish citizens and international visitors alike. Dublin is an incredibly diverse city that introduced me to the Irish culture and gave me a sense of independence while living there on my own, more or less. And I would not have done one thing differently, except maybe go on a second trip to the Cliffs of Moher (it's an incredible sight to see).

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo 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? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes are structured well and the professors are passionate and knowledgeable. I would frequesntly asked questions and would almost always receive helpful and clear answers. Or I would be directed toward resources that could help me better understand the material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment-like housing was wonderful. I had my own room and bathroom, which gave me a good amount of privacy and a quiet place to study. And if I wanted to socialize, I could easily go to the kitchen area and chat with one of my three roommates. However, its location was a little farther from the IES center than I expected, but this just meant a more scenic route, with lots of great spots to grab breakfast along the way.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many opportunities to hang out both with people in your program and people who live in Dublin! IES plans field trips and gatherings that promote socializing and exploring your host city and country. Also, there are plenty of restaurants, music scenes, live theatre opportunies, museums and parks to venture to in Ireland.

* 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

The IES program provided classes with exceptional instructors, especially for creative writing and marketing, a friendly and helpful staff team and exciting excursions that allowed us to explore Dublin, the Republic of Ireland and Northern 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $100 to $250 a week. And this was for food (groceries), toiletries, eating out, bus fare, and for fun things, such as going to see a movie or play.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would usually buy groceries for the week so that I could cook and pack lunches for classes and my internship. And then I would treat myself to eating out on the weekends.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 host city
  • The instructors
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Housing location (a bit far, but still worth it)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known just how many things there are to see and do in Dublin and the rest of the country. I definitely would have started planning ahead of time!

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!