Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Unforgettable Trip to Dublin! Past Review

By (International Business, Rollins College) - abroad from 05/28/2015 to 07/10/2015 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my personality as an employee and in the workplace. I got to experience a unique culture, without the language barrier, and break down cultural boundaries, learn about European affairs and European views on foreign affairs. If I could, I would go back to Ireland today!

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were amazing and close to city center in Dublin! Just be aware that public transportation will be used by most to get to the job cites.

* Food:

There are many accommodations for food, and a large variety. Overall, the quality of the food was not like most other nations I have been to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As a part of the CAPA program, I had a course specifically focused on cultural competency and learning about intercultural communication. It was a fascinating course, educational, and entertaining! I also had the opportunity to travel with the CAPA program, which added proficient knowledge of Irish culture and history during my stay.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were multiple pharmacies located near my workplace and apartment that carried almost all types of over-the-counter medicines I needed. However, I never needed to receive emergency or immediate health care - although, CAPA does have a doctor that works with on-site supervisor if need be.

* Safety:

I never encountered an issue with my safety, but the apartments we stayed in (at city centre) did have a larger population of drug addicts due to the methadone clinic.

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 easy city to maintain a budget. However, if you want to travel or eat at a more diverse group of restaurants, it can be difficult to keep costs at a steady budget. I recommend buying groceries, it saves a lot of money weekly for meals.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Absolutely buy your own groceries for at least two-thirds of the meals during the week! Traveling through Ireland was also significantly cheaper than traveling to other countries in Europe.

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?
  • My internship
  • Irish culture
  • Accomodations
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Location of StayCity Apartment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would budget my money better and see more of Ireland (plan ahead for trips).

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.