Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience far and above my expectations Past Review

By (Washington & Lee University) - abroad from 09/14/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

IFSA: Dublin - Trinity College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new level of self confidence and indolence from traversing new and foreign cities on my own, I gained a greater appreciation for and understanding of the EU-- particularly Ireland and her history.

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.

Trinity is more rigorous than other study abroad university options. You are treated as a full time student by the lecturers and tutors and the course content is often advanced.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IFSA-Butler team was like our family while abroad; they were always available and eager to offer any help or advice and clearly cared a lot about our experiences.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Of the two housing options for this program, one is clearly superior to the other. I lived in the latter which is much further away from the city center, has very expensive laundry facilities, and lacks an oven and other important kitchen features.

* Food:

As an international city Dublin has amazing food options!! It is pricey relative to some other European cities, however.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to know some Irish students in my classes and wherever we travelled within Ireland we were welcomed by locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt anything but safe in Dublin and around Ireland, unlike some other cities I visited.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • getting to study at such a historic and unique university
  • I loved having the IFSA-Butler team facilitate my enrollment in the university, supply me with housing, and prepare me with an orientation
  • the IFSA organized trips throughout the semester
* What could be improved?
  • more communication regarding course registration and options before arrival
  • no more suggestions
  • no more suggestions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? -

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.