Studying in Ireland: Amazing Memories, Incredible Country, Gorgeous Culture. Past Review

By (Criminology., Indiana State University) for

GEO: Dublin - Study Abroad Programs in Dublin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to see the world for what it was, not what the media told me it was. I will never forget this trip or the information I learned while on it. After studying in Ireland I have decided multiple things. 1.) I will go back to Ireland some day. 2.) My children will study abroad. 3.) I will talk anyone into going if they show any ounce of interest.

Review Photos

AHA International: Dublin - Summer Cultural Studies Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Both professors were incredibly intelligent and fun. I still keep in contact with one of my professors today. The education system was pretty similar to my university, the methods were closely related, the fact that they spoke English was a major help as well. Workload was perfect, not too much, but what was assigned was intriguing enough to seem short.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program size was perfect, there weren't too many people on the trip. We were able to meet and get to know everyone on the trip with ease. My expectations were basically I would take a typical course and visit things on my own time. However, they were blown out of the water, David and the gang had so many things planned and the courses were two of the best I have taken thus far in my college career. My man Dan Dwyer somehow knew everyone and everything and was able to give advice/help at any given time. If I had to think of a weakness, it would be...umm..Dan's fashion? There really is no weakness that I encountered, every issue that came up was met quickly and efficiently.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family I lived with was a lot of fun and a lot of help. They accepted us with ease, and practically overfed us! We never went hungry. Our host mother would do our laundry and tidy up our room if we left it a mess, changed our sheets, and even helped my roommate and I smooth over a fight. At one point we had other international students from Spain and Italy. It was an incredible home and feel.

* Food:

Like I said previously, we were always offered so much food it was absurd! I never was never hungry while at home. They had food available, always made enough for leftovers, and if you didn't like what she made she was willing to make you something else. All of the food was great and so good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Wow, what to talk about here. The very first weekend was the pinnacle of the whole trip. Everyone climbed a mountain, learned to play Gaelic Football or an Irish Instrument, and ended up at the same pub with a live band. We all bonded and had a magnificent time. I still talk about that weekend now. Dan hooked us up with a friend that gives hands on tours. He was awesome and you won't find a better tour guide anyhwere.(http://www.giddygoatstours.ie/)We went to Oxegen Festival, which was badass. (pardon my french, but it was needed) There are just too many trips to mention. Overall, this is the summer I will tell my kids, their, kids, and hopefully their kids about.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety was good, we witnessed a few fights that were quickly ended (by either a police office or the public). It was an extremely clean and gorgeous country. I did not have any issues health wise. However, I sure it is just as impeccable as everything else.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Courses
  • Everything
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Longer
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you do not sign up for this program, you should bang your head on the wall. All of the concerns you have should be forgotten, this program is outright the best thing that has happened in my pathetic little life. I am about 99.999% sure that it will be just as amazing to you. All students will love this, unless you don't like having fun or being left breathless.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Myth, Legend and Folklore: Exploring Early Irish Literature

Course Department:
Instructor: Michelle Piazza
Instruction Language: English, a little Irish Gaelic
Comments: We learned a few different myths and folklore, which made traveling to certain destinations even more amazing. The class was extremely fun and well taught, everyone interacted. We had our serious and our silly times, making the class even more enjoyable. Michelle is as intelligent as she is hilarious. She is kind, lenient, and understanding. I 100% recommend this course, if I could go back. I would retake it in a heartbeat.
Credit Transfer Issues: None at all. Everything was already in place, credit wise, by the time I returned in the Fall.
Course Name/Rating:

Transatlantic Currents: Ireland and America in the Modern Era

Course Department:
Instructor: David Kilroy
Instruction Language: English
Comments: First off I love history, so to me this course was amazing. I loved learning about the connection between America and Ireland, as well as Ireland's history. The excursions were breathtaking I had so much fun. David was a great Professor, he is intelligent and has lived in America before, so he can help you with any culture shock. He talked us into doing a lot of things I wouldn't have thought of while visiting that were completely astonishing. This course was excellent and the work load was not bad at all.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not a one. All of my credits transferred without a hitch.