A Life-Changing Experience In One the Most Beautiful Places on Earth! Past Review

By (New York University) - abroad from 06/16/2018 to 07/27/2018 with

New York University: Dublin - NYU Summer in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a ton of confidence! I became an intrepid adventurer. My work was highly respected by my Trinity professor, I explored the city for my thesis research with a sense of joy and purpose. I didn’t know anyone and found five great friends who I have seen several times since. NYU Dublin truly changed my life!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Stimulating and Exciting! My sociology class at Trinity was intellectually rigorous and quite fun! Brought Ireland to life in a multi-disciplinary way looking at its history, culture, environment and seminal contributions to world literature. Getting to really know the land and the geography is key to the study of Ireland.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Trinity College housing was generally helpful. The maid service provided 3-4 days per week by Trinity was fantastic!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Shared suite arrangements were very comfortable and quite modern. Single room with a shared bathroom and common living space that included a full kitchen. I lived in an ivy-covered dorm where Oscar Wilde stayed when he attended Trinity College. Just outside the dorm was the college green which is beautifully tended and historic. Memorable and meaningful to walk through the campus daily where part the struggle for Irish independence took place.

* Food:

The Buttery on campus served breakfast and lunch fare that was delicious. Most nights we spent exploring the area around campus finding some delicious places to eat in Dublin, a multi-cultural city. Lots of delicious options!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was the high point! Weekend trips with world -renowned archeologist, Michael Gibbons brought the landscape and it’s ancient history to life at every turn. He knew the most beautiful vistas, underground caves, how to locate ancient tombs and we did it all! Travelled all over the country, staying in lovely well-appointed local hostels, going to music and cultural festivals in smaller towns and larger locations like Galway! Incredible hiking and exploration of islands, the burrens and bogs, lakes and seaside, and the ever-present mountains from County Wicklow, Sligo, and Connemara.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with or need for health care at Trinity. No specific vaccines were required.

* Safety:

Always felt safe in Dublin. There is a special system that Keri campus very secure at night. Cabs are available at all hours. Lots of folks out walking on the streets.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Ireland is one of the most stunning places on the planet and through NYU Dublin, I was able to explore this ancient land with an archeologist and a group of amazing people who were generally super curious, fun, smart and adventurous! Made friends for a lifetime!

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)

I got by on 100.00 per week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100.00 per week. NYU covered quite a few expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food and cook!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Going on 3-4 day weekend trips around the country.
  • Archeologist Michael Gibbons -stellar!
  • Living in Dublin and exploring the city and all that it offered.
* What could be improved?
  • More Dublin entertainment -group experiences.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Prepare in advance to be more physically active in terms of moderate hiking. Had not done that as much as I should have.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Sociology of Modern Ireland

Course Department: Irish Studies
Instructor: Professor Eamonn Slater
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was very well prepared having researched and written extensively on environmental issues in Ireland both currently and historically.
Credit Transfer Issues: