Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer of Fun! Past Review

By (English, Illinois State University) - abroad from 06/16/2015 to 08/09/2015 with

Global Experiences: Internships in Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was extremely worthwhile. I gained skills that I didn't have before while also using the skills that I have obtained. I was able to get a sense of reassurance that a non-profit really is where I see myself working in the future and that is a great feeling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration for this program was extremely helpful. I always had a response to any questions I had and it seemed like everyone's experience was a priority.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with the location of the living arrangements. However for the amount of money that was spent on accommodation I would have at least liked a place with an oven or some more room. The campus did feel safe and it did encourage other members of the program to talk with one another which was nice.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel extremely comfortable with the local culture of Dublin now. It will make leaving Ireland even more difficult.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dublin is extremely safe. The people are really friendly. Just like any other place though if you're traveling abroad it is nice to always be extra careful with your belongings and so on.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Saving up for being abroad is extremely important. Things here are slightly more expensive so having extra money is always better.

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

  • 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?
  • Internship Placement
  • Being in Dublin
  • Flatmates
* What could be improved?
  • Accommodation
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The only thing that would have been nice to know before would have been the exact prices of things. Even though we got estimations before leaving I feel like I ended up spending even more than that.

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.