Studying abroad in Dublin is worth every penny! Past Review

By (University of Florida) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My internship was incredible placement. I gained agency experience that is very hard to find in the U.S. Also, I learned about Dublin and Irish history. The list is very long on what I learned/gained from the experience- it may even be immeasurable!

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 was challenged by my classes and internship tasks, but I felt very prepared for the classwork and work placement. My classes abroad were not as difficult as my courses at UF; however, this was a blessing because my internship requirement was 20 hours a week.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sussane is amazing. In fact, the first email she sent gave me comfort and confidence that she was more than qualified to orchestrate this experience. Her assistant director, Hayley, is very kind-hearted, hospitable, and helpful. She made an impact on my trip's experience from the very beginning. My flight had some complications causing me to land in Shannon, and Hayley communicated with me during the entire process helping me organize a ride to the campus. She stayed after hours to make sure I arrived and she walked with me to a local café to grab dinner. Hayley went well above and beyond the expected job duty. Both Susanne and Hayley are exceptional directors and their assistance was greatly needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangement never dettered my experience. There were a few things that were difficult. Sharing a room was expected and I was blessed with a good roommate. The campus apartment was clean and located in a safe area. Also, the campus housing was very convenient. My only complaint is the refridgerator and the bathroom. The fridge was very small for 4 adults; it was the size of a personal, dorm fridge. The bathroom was very European. As an American I am not accustomed to a bathroom being that small. Our shower and toilet were mere inches from each other with no divider. As I said, this small inconveniences did not greatly impact my experience but I would have liked a bigger fridge and a different bathroom for the price of the program.

* Food:

I love the food in Dublin/Europe. I hardly missed food from the States. I did crave Chipotle from time to time but I was very satisfied with food in Ireland. In fact, I miss several of the restaurants I frequented in Dublin. My CAPA directors were always helpful in recommending cafes and restaurants to try.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I don't think anyone would confuse me as a local, but I felt very integrated with the culture. I would like to move back to Dublin after graduation from UF because I loved my day-to-day life in the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have health problems during my trip with the exception of a cold. Our program fee with CAPA includes health insurance and a pre-paid visits to a local physician. My roommate in Dublin saw the doctor twice and she was treated quickly and efficiently.

* Safety:

Dublin is an international city and I was very cautious when travelling alone or at night. However, I felt incredibly safe! I never put myself in dangerous situations but I didn't hesitate to go out or explore.

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

I can't imagine studying abroad without CAPA. If I wasn't a senior I would try to go back or to another CAPA location. I am not sure I could afford it again, but I would try to make it happen - I loved it.

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)

5 - very easy to budget in Dublin

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wish I would have purchased a coffee pot the first week. I would have saved a lot of money. I was buying up to 2 coffees a day; thiswould have saved me a $50-100. Also, my friends and I ate at home several times a week and we were very cautious about spending money on pub admission. We didn't drink out very much because it was costly and we only went to clubs and pubs that didn't have a entrance fee. There's always exceptions - we still spent money eating out, sitting at cafes, getting pints, and paying 5-10 euro for entrance. Overall, we tried to save money to afford more travel and to chose wisely when we wanted to splurge.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Dublin was the perefect city - I fell in love with the people, sight, history, and culture.
  • I enjoyed the authentic experience & integration.
  • I really loved my CAPA directors & professor.
* What could be improved?
  • I think we could have been given 2 fridges.
  • It would have been nice to have more information about living accomodations before arriving.
  • I would have like to have seen a map of my surroundings with grocery stores, restaurants, etc, before arriving in Dublin.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt very prepared before going. It would have been nice to have met the directors beforehand (through Skype) at one of the UF pre-departure meetings.

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!