Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ideal summer! Past Review

By (Marketing And International Business, Event Management, University of Arizona) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 08/13/2012 with

Connect-123: Dublin - Volunteer/Intern in Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most definitely. I gained a full time job for after graduation which makes senior year a ton less stressful. I also made life-long friends, Irish, European, South American, and American.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My internship turned out to be my dream job and I had the time of my life, especially because I was hired on full time after graduation!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Connect was always looking out for us. We went on a lot of amazing trips that they set up for us which was great, and easy! They also did check-up talks with each of us to see how our jobs were going or if we needed anything. I also got escorted to work the first day to make sure I didn't get lost; loved it!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with so many people from so many different places. My house consisted of French, Italian, Spanish, and American people. It was great and eating at home with everyone was the best!

* Food:

The food is great if you're willing to spend some money. I went to a few Irish restaurants in Dublin which were the priciest, but you could get really good Irish food in most small pubs for cheaper, especially out of the city center. I also recommend chicken baguettes from the Spar stores; guilty pleasure.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They culture was amazing. I fit right in and had no problems. I was also exposed to cultures other than just Irish because all of my roomates were also foreigners to Ireland and almost all from a different country so I learned a lot about all of them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really get sick, but there are pharmacies on every block and the people in them are great and can help you find the equivalent to the American version of whatever you need.

* Safety:

My friend's house got broken into our first week and her laptop along with many other valuable items were taken, including her ice cream. The housing program was separate from the internship company and they did what they could to help, but not much could be done. Major bummer.

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

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)

I definitely spent more than I was expecting to, but I also spent a lot of time at the pubs and went on tons of trips around the country.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably close to $150, depending on where I was going for the weekend. I tried to travel every weekend because it was only a 2 month trip.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I say go all out. You're only there once, that you know of, and you will never get an experience like that again. Spend less on food and drinks and more on travel. the cheaper food is usually better anyways because it's probably more authentic, if you know where to go.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Convenience
  • Friends
  • New experiences
* What could be improved?
  • More trips together?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I was going to love it so much and end up staying there forever. Honestly, I was really prepared. I should have brought more pants and rain boots though.

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.