Interning in Ireland = best decision ever! Past Review
By Monica A (Public Administration, Grand Valley State University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Dublin - Intern in Dublin
YES!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I worked 40-56 hours a week, but it felt like I only worked a few hours each day. Each day went by so fast and I got along great with my host co-workers, that I looked forward to going into work each and every day. I was graded on only my home university's methods; which was to write a reflection after each 100 hours worked (I worked 300). I learned a ton about management, staffing, interviewing, training, and paying better attention to what is going around you at the time; I loved every minute of it and would do this internship again. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My internship advisor did not care where I did my internship as long as I did one. He was not very involved in the process, I found the internship, told him about it, and then sent him the reflections that I wrote after every 100 hours worked. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my roommates; however the neighborhood was a little scary at times, especially after we saw a stabbing occur on a fellow American student staying in the apartment dorms. |
| * Food: |
Food was good, no complaints. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Dublin is incredible; the culture, the people are some of the friendliest on the planet. I took a trip to Galway and saw the Aran Islands again, which was just as enjoyable. I also took a trip to Newry in the North which I loved because I got to see countryside. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only safety was when the American student was stabbed as we walked back from the bus stop, we told the Garda officer what had happened, but it appeared like he didn't care for he never rushed to find the suspect. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Relax and have fun. The language accent barrier can be tough at times, but if you explain that you're American they understand (they've probably already figured it out once you open your mouth to speak anyways) and they're always willing to help. |
