Dublin: A Second Home Past Review

By (Technical and Business Writing., Anonymous University) for

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. A new life perspective, so much happiness, a lot of knowledge about Ireland and the Troubles in Northern Ireland, lifelong friendships

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.

Best semester of my life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The computers and internet were slow in the centre but I loved everything else.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Well, our house got robbed but I still loved our house.

* Food:

Dublin fish and chips can't be beat but otherwise, lots of places are too expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met some of the best friends I've ever had! The trip to Belfast/Northern Ireland was amazing as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dublin is very safe. No vaccines needed, never visited a hospital or doctor.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A lot. Dublin is expensive.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? ATM machines charge you every time you take out money! And you can't use American credit cards at all, really.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to be outgoing and you pretty much have to not mind walking a lot.