Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin: My Greatest Adventure Past Review

By (Journalism, Lasell College) - abroad from 01/24/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad was the most impacting adventure in my life thus far. There is nothing I wouldn't do to go back in time and re live it. I learned more about myself than I ever have before including: independence, time management, intercultural competence, and I learned how to live with no regret. I did everything I set out to do and more.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed academics in Dublin, but it was a lot more independent than American education systems.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors at CAPA Dublin were absolutely amazing! They always made time for any concerns we needed to address or even just to say hello. They accommodated, helped, and made the transition smooth.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing in Dublin at Griffith College was good. I enjoyed the set up and there was more room than I expected. The only things that were difficult to adjust to were the bathroom size and refrigerator size (shared among 4 people).

* Food:

I did not eat on campus too often, but it was good when I did. The food in Ireland was great especially Camden Street options. That being said, I am not a fan of traditional Irish breakfast.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a situation where I hurt my back and it was easy to make an appointment in town. I was seen the same day as my complaint and got the right help I needed.

* Safety:

I felt 100% safe in Dublin. Of course, it is not recommended to walk alone at night or at any time of day, but when I did or had to, it was not that bad. The city has lots of lights and many places to pop into if you feel unsafe.

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

CAPA is hands down a program I will promote from here on out. I particularly loved our program directors. I am not sure there is anything I would change about CAPA. They are attentive to students, encourage safety, assist with nearly every issue, and stay connected to students after departure. I love CAPA.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Personally, I saved my money in an account I had no access to. My mother was the primary person on the account and once my money was in, I could no longer see it and that helped me save a lot of money.

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

  • 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?
  • Program Directors
  • Excursions
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt well prepared before I left for Dublin. Anything that I did not know before leaving was just an adventure waiting to happen!

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!