Ireland Was the Place to Go Past Review

By (History, University of Virginia) for

ISA Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES

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.

It was fantastic. The classes were a lot easier than I expected and didn't compare with my home university at all, but that was wonderful because then I had a lot of time to explore Ireland.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were very few options at my home university and going with an out of school program was the only option to partake in a decent program. Also, the applying process for an out of school program was long, a huge hassle and the administration was unhelpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There were no dining hall services so I had to do all my cooking myself which was fine, except my renovated dorm didn't have an oven.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The availability of actual Irish trips through tourism programs was amazing and I got to travel all over Ireland easily and cheaply.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was very safe, campus safety was well addressed and the program above all was very concerned with our 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • The relative costs with the euro exchange rate