An Incredible Semester in Dublin, Ireland Past Review
By A student (International Business, Finance, Elon University) - abroad from 01/03/2014 to 04/19/2014 with
FIE (Foundation for International Education): Dublin - Semester with Dublin Business School (DBS)
The FIE program in Dublin is absolutely remarkable. Each and everyday is a brand new experience packed with adventure and personal growth. I attend a small liberal arts school in the United States and it was quite the shock to learn how to live in a major European capital such as Dublin. However, FIE is with you every step of the way. Your journey begins well before your semester and they ensure that you are entirely prepared once you arrive in Dublin. They are honest and upfront about registration costs and ensure that you know exactly what to bring with you. Throughout the semester, you will be given the opportunity to participate in service activities, day trips, and weekend excursions across Ireland! The semester seems to fly by with all of the activities and events that are available to you through FIE. Classes are only a short 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride away and living necessities such as groceries and the post office are right around the corner. I cannot stress enough how supportive the staff are. If the grading system is confusing, or your heating in your flat seems to have a mind of its own, the staff at FIE are there for you every step of the way. I will forever be grateful for all that they have done for me and my personal growth.
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. |
Professors were extremely accessible and accommodating |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They are awesome. They add so much value to the overall experience and ensure that any issues you might encounter are handled promptly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It's smaller compared to any US accommodations but that is to be expected. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of their excursions are thought out and meaningful. They also ensure that site visits are of interest to college students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues but from what I can gather from other participants is that doctors appointments are quickly scheduled and they had no problems. |
| * Safety: |
I felt perfectly comfortable walking around Dublin at all times. |
| 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) |
The euro exchange rate is what causes costs to rise. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save early and often |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | Ireland is much colder and wetter then I could have imagined. Pack lots of clothes for layers! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
