Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Late Night Shenannigans and Magical Adventures! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/10/2017 to 08/05/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Dublin - Intern in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can survive adulthood and make opportunities for myself where ever I may go in life. I made a life for myself and felt like such an adult in doing so. It was worth every penny.

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 had an amazing experience in Dublin, Ireland! With that being said I did not do that much at my particular internship and our program advisor was not very welcoming. I met some amazing people and loved where we lived.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

John was not the most inviting program advisor. When I asked him questions I felt that I was burdening him and I found it hard to talk to him. He was rather harsh sounding at times as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the location of our student apartments. They were right at the heart of the city and close to everything. The water pressure in the top bathrooms though was not very ideal. And the state of the kitchen was sometimes not the best.

* Food:

I usually cooked for myself or ate out. It was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had my own daily routine and found myself interacting with my local coworkers quite a bit. I really felt that I had made my own home in Ireland and I genuinely miss it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick once, but I did not go to the doctors at all. So I do not really have anything to say about it. And no there were not vaccines needed for my program.

* Safety:

Ireland was a rather safe country. The only time I was ever concerned would be when I would go to a pub with coworkers or friends late at night and there were sketchy characters. Everyone I lived with was great and I knew that I was safe.

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

Although I was not completely enthused with the lack of experience I got from my internship I would not take back a single moment. I made amazing and unforgettable friends, went to breathtakingly beautiful places, and had the time of my life. There is something so serene about Ireland and its amazing.

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)

It was rather difficult at first because I was unaccustomed to feeding myself and found it hard to live on a budget. The more that time passed I found it easier.

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? Cooking for yourself will save you money and not going out to pubs, clubs, and bars will also save you money. Dont forget about the money conversion either.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 location
  • The people
  • The serenity
* What could be improved?
  • The program advisor
  • Proper budgeting
  • The drama
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known before that I would be living in a student dorm with a group of 15 other students a part of the same program. I did not realize there would be so many of us and that we would all be living in the same place. I was under the impression that I would have my own apartment. Amazing, but of course there was some drama that ensued.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.