Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DCU- Spring Semester 2015 Past Review

By (Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Hope College) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/24/2015 with

IES Abroad Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a new culture and ways that different people in various countries live. I also learned how to become adaptable and deal with almost any situation I came across. The whole experience was well worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

IES Abroad Dublin Photo IES Abroad Dublin Photo IES Abroad Dublin Photo IES Abroad Dublin Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside a certain amount per week for groceries, food, and other. Once a month or so treat yourself to a little more money to use for anything.

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?
  • The fieldtrips
  • The IES abroad staff
  • DCU itself
* What could be improved?
  • More information before arrival in host country
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that DCU is about a thirty minute bus ride from city centre, because the name is Dublin City University I assumed it would've been closer to the city and that was a bit misleading. Also, knowing more about the Irish schooling system would've made it a little easier to adjust.

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!