Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You only Dublin once! Past Review

By (Special Education- Learning and Behavior Specialist, Illinois State University) - abroad from 05/18/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The school system is so much more different and very interesting! I would love to go back.

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 program was packed with school observations and at different types of schools as well. It was awesome experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Darragh and Francis were the best!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was far from the CEA Campus and the night life.

* Food:

You can get any kind of food there! Everything was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Some people paid no attention to us like we were one of them and others noticed our accents and made fun of us a little. It wasn't rude by any means; they were joking around with us. Most people actually wanted to talk to us and find out where we were from and how come we were in Ireland.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A; I didn't need medical attention while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe being there.

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)

I went to Ireland with 500 euros. I had about 100 coming home. Managing money was pretty easy. I also had a debit card for back up. I recommend coming with euros instead of exchanging them there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 50-70 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save up before hand and definitely exchange money before heading there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • observation
  • free time
  • sight-seeing
* What could be improved?
  • ISU faculty
  • have a less packed schedule
  • set up more group dinners
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? HOW TO PACK. Seriously, I didn't bring enough clothes and laundry wasn't free.

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!