Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Rainy Spring in Dublin June 15, 2026

By (Art History and International and Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2026 to 05/19/2026 with

Arcadia: Dublin - University College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained perspective on how university is run in Ireland, as well as a deeper knowledge of the socio-political climate of both Ireland, Britain, and Europe at large. I also got the chance to spend time with my extended family, and learn more about my family history and the history of Ireland as a whole. I learned how to get on with my life when it's raining every single day, and how to enjoy the sun when it comes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found courses at UCD to be rigorous and challenging, and offer something different than what I was used to at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program was well organized, particularly in the first week. I felt that orientation and group activities were well planned. At times some on site staff was unresponsive, but generally they were available and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living situation was great overall, facilities were good and rooms were larger than I expected. It was great to have a private bathroom. I was especially impressed with how quickly work orders were filled when there was any problem. My only complaint is that the kitchen did not have an oven.

* Food:

Apartments were self catered. Eating out in Dublin is quite expensive, but there was generally a wide variety of cuisines available.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I was sharing housing with mostly American students it was a little challenging to make friends with locals. I felt overall quite integrated, but that was in large part due to the fact that I have lots of family in Ireland.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have much experience of this.

* Safety:

Dublin is overall quite safe, especially in the around UCD. There are certain parts of the city center where you need to be careful, but general common sense and awareness is all you need.

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

I really enjoyed the academic atmosphere at UCD, and the people on my program were all lovely and down to earth. The living situation was comfortable and I was able to engage with the country in my own way.

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)

Going out in Dublin is very expensive, so it's easy to accidentally go over budget. However, you can find groceries that are relatively affordable (30-40 euro per week), and public transportation is discounted for young adults.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~90 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself, ride busses and trains when possible, and spend money on experiences not objects.

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

  • 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 program excursions
* What could be improved?
  • On the ground communication response time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Ireland's university exams are kind of intense. Nothing too huge worry about, but they host their final exams in big halls and are very strict. Good to mentally prepare for if you get test anxiety.

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!