Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dublin, Ireland: The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Advertising/Public Relations, University of Central Florida) - abroad from 05/14/2014 to 07/11/2014 with

FIE (Foundation for International Education): Dublin Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I thought it was very much worthwhile. I gained a lifelong friend, invaluable knowledge about budgeting/traveling, independence and confidence overall. I believe in myself and the trip to Dublin made me realize that I am capable of handling myself in any situation.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a great deal about networking and general business practices internationally.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I appreciated the transport from the airport and the instructional meetings to kick the program off.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was mostly satisfied. Keeping in mind that standards of living differ between Ireland and the U.S., I felt that our apartment was a little dirty. Also, I heard from several locals that it wasn't the best part of town. Regardless, I still felt fairly safe, but the fact that I heard a handful of times that the area was dangerous was unsettling.

* Food:

Delicious! I loved getting to try a variety of things. Favorite restaurant: Wuff.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made a dear (and probably lifelong) friend while in Dublin. She was close to my age and I met her at work. She helped me fully integrate into life in Dublin. She took me to a local hurling match, we traveled to London together and she invited me to her house to have dinner with her family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Our advisers were very supportive and offered to transport us to the doctor if we were sick. I was not personally ill during the trip, however, my roommate had a positive experience with the doctor there. Very easy and efficient.

* Safety:

I felt rather safe while there. I was only ever nervous one time when I was approached by an intoxicated homeless person. I just ignored him and continued to walk, which eradicated my fear. Also, I felt that we may have been put in a questionable area. That said, I feel that Dublin is largely a safe place and that "dangerous area" is probably a safe area in comparison to Florida.

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)

It was a little bit of a struggle to maintain a budget. I have had a job since I was 14 years old, so I didn't love not having any income. However, it taught me a valuable lesson about budgeting and rationing money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400-$500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Utilize grocery stores and try to limit eating out. Make it a special occasion and research beforehand on Trip Adviser. Also, get your plane tickets very, very far in advance.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • I loved my placement with Maldron Hotel.
  • I enjoyed having weekends and Fridays free from working so that we were afforded the opportunity to travel.
  • I really adored having FIE's assistance with the program. I felt protected and cared for during my stay.
* What could be improved?
  • I feel that having events during weeknights instead of weekends would help with attendance.
  • Make the program longer!
  • Perhaps get a different apartment in an area that is less known for being questionable.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known to plan my weekends out well before I got to Dublin. I felt that I spent a lot of unneeded money on flights because of the close proximity of when I bought them and when I was to travel.

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 Networker
An 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.