Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin, Ireland changed my life! Past Review

By (Marketing., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew as a person so much, I gained a new vision on life and have friends all over the world! While my academic institution wasn't the best, it enabled me to travel on weekends everywhere. My experience was so great, I stayed an extra month in Europe and backpacked Italy and Croatia for a month!

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.

The workload was minimal. The professors were friendly, knew the area, and were conscious of our travelling on the weekends therefore they didn't overload us with information. While the classes were long and only twice a week in my program, I learned a great deal. The teaching methods consisted of a very discussion based lecture with much class participation. The class size was very small, 7-15 students, therefore participation was mandatory. You didn't really know what your grade was because we didn't have any graded assignments, just a mid semester exam and a final.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The faculty would contact you pre-departure to make sure you had everything turned in and to answer any questions. They were extremely helpful when you got there and would tell you all the great spots to go! The program size was extremely small, 7-15 people per class. They had also said it would be several different nationalities there, but there were majority french people and I didn't study with any Irish students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

They were great with recommendations.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program let us go on a tour of the city, it helped us see where we wanted to go, things we wanted to do. We also went on a trip to go paintballing in the mountains with everyone, soooo fun! We went on a trip across Ireland to Galway and the Aran Islands which was also amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The dorm we stayed in was surrounded by gates and you had to have a hand scan just to get through a turnstile to get onto campus! It was kind of overboard but I always felt safe everywhere in Dublin.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The country, Ireland is gorgeous!
* What could be improved?
  • The diversity in the classroom and classroom size
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live it up, time goes by so fast and as soon as you know it your time abroad will be done. Make sure you love every moment and do everything you want, never miss a thing!