Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unparalleled Past Review

By (Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/13/2012 with

IFSA: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel so much more cultured, outgoing, confident, and grateful for having such a wonderful experience. It really changes you to live in another part of the world. You will have an experience that many people don't get to have.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University College Dublin
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had the most amazing study abroad experience. I always knew that I would have a great time but IFSA Butler made it all that much more fulfilling. I will never forget the memories I have from Ireland and I would do the program all over again in a heartbeat.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in the IPE were extremely helpful!

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 100 euros (but i wasn't being very thrifty ;)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Fly budget airlines on weekend trips (RyanAir is great!) and stay in hostels. Also, try and buy food at the grocery store and make your own food instead of always going out to eat.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 Irish culture
  • meeting incredible new friends (both American and Irish)
  • traveling to many places all over Europe
* What could be improved?
  • nothing that I can think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TRY EVERYTHING, even if it is out of your comfort zone!

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 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.