Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life-changing experience in Dublin, Ireland Past Review

By (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Howard Payne University) - abroad from 09/14/2015 to 12/17/2015 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a whole new perspective on the world that I didn't realize I would. I have lived in a small town most of my life and I didn't realize how much I was missing out on.

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland Photo 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.

I think this was just the right amount of academic challenge. It allowed me to be challenged in the classroom but still have enough time to travel and enjoy my study abroad experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was extremely helpful the entire time I was there, often taking time out of their day to show me around or help me with a problem that I had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in the apartments with all of the other students from around the world. It was a great bonding experience and not too far from the city.

* Food:

While I'm a very picky eater I found many places to eat while I was abroad and loved getting to try different restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since we were in Griffith College with all of the other Irish students, we were able to connect with them in ways that would not have been possible if we were doing just a tour.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally had no health issues but my roommate got sick and our study abroad advisors helped her to find suitable medication and made sure she was okay.

* Safety:

Dublin was one of the safest cities I have ever been in and I felt completely comfortable! I was also in Paris on the day of the attacks and can say that CAPA responded wonderfully and kept in contact with us the entire time, even finding us a hotel close to our airport in the chance our plane would leave on time.

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

I absolutely loved my program and how helpful and interested everyone was. They were kind and always looking to make your stay better.

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 a little expensive (although no where near as bad as London or Paris) but with a lot of home cooking between all of the roommates, we managed.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75 give or take
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out every night, or go out drinking every night. Spend your money on travel that you will remember more than nights you can't.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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
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 friends I made
  • The places I traveled
  • Ireland (of course!)
* What could be improved?
  • A weekly stipend for food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't worry so much about money because this flies by so quickly and you will wish you had done one more tour, gone on one more flight, and not worried so much about how much it would cost.

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.