Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

FIE Dublin was an amazing experience! Past Review

By (Elon University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 05/09/2014 with

FIE (Foundation for International Education): Dublin - Semester/Year with Trinity College Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain a new perspective on Irish life and culture. I learned that I loved the city life, especially Dublin. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

TCD was academically tough and rigorous, and different style of classes (large lecture halls) than I was used to, but an overall positive experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The FIE staff was incredibly helpful in adjusting to Irish life and a great resource throughout the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was small and in decent condition, but nothing unexpected.

* Food:

Irish food is very underrated. Great places throughout the city for good price.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the time I left, I felt very comfortable in the city and integrated with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with health care throughout my time. No vaccinations were necessary for this program for me.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Dublin. Like any major city, there are unsafe areas, but I was never concerned.

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)

Pretty fair prices on food and drink.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 people - staff, teachers, and other students.
  • The city of Dublin was so accessible and easy to figure out.
* What could be improved?
  • Living situation - repair and maintenance staff could have done more.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What it was like to register for classes at TCD. It was more difficult to figure out than I thought.

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!