An invaluable experience that enriched me in a multitude of ways Past Review

By Kaci W (Sociology, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/03/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

Boston University: Dublin - Internship Program

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

My experience was 100% worthwhile. I learned so much and the experience definitely opened my eyes to global issues. I no longer want to be the ignorant American who knows nothing outside of the U.S.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The program was not difficult. If you went to class, payed attention, read through notes before quizzes/exams, you will do well. There are multiple papers, which take up time but you are allowed to pick your own topic, so you can tailor it to your liking. Same with the internship- if you took interest in something about your internship, the academic side of it was purely paper and performance based.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Apartments are nice and new! The kitchen/lounge is big and a fun place to hang out. Kitchens are equipped with basically anything you may need.
* Food:	N/A. I did not have a meal plan. Only rating 5 stars because there is great food choices around campus to eat at.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Field trips and the class educated us on the local culture and immersed is somewhat. The internship also threw us into the culture. However, a lot of the social integration is up to you. Go out and take trips, visit museums, take part in the night life, and go to local restaurants to immerse yourself.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I never needed this service but we were informed on where to go if we were sick or needed health care.
* Safety:	VERY safe. Guns are illegal here- not even the police carry them. There was never a time I did not feel safe while in Ireland. However, I do recommend going out with a group if you go out at night. There are homeless people on the streets but for the most part, they seemed harmless.
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)	Dublin is an expensive place to live but it's pretty easy to find cheap groceries. Most restaurants in City Centre are a bit pricey though. And the shopping is fantastic, which takes a toll on the wallet. But most tours are fairly priced and well worth it.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Go to Lidle, SuperValu, or other cheap options for groceries.

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	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?	Enjoying the Irish countryside Meeting some AMAZING people Getting job experience in my internship
* What could be improved?	I wish the internship started and ended earlier, instead of starting and ending late. I wish the last week was a little less busy to finish papers and do last minute things around Dublin.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I would have packed very differently! A few more sweaters, no shorts, maybe only one pair of sandals, and more casual (less stereotypically clubby) going out clothes

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Contemporary Irish Society
Course Department:	Sociology
Instructor:	Frank Byrne
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a very interesting class! Frank challenged you to think outside the box but it wasn't a hard class. Take advantage of all field trips, they are awesome and educational! Frank is great and is really committed to your learning experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: