Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excursions Galore Past Review

By (Sociology/Social Work, Loras College) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

IADT - Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology: Dun Laoghaire - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many experiences outside of a classroom. I saw sights people only dream of, and I learned how to quickly adapt to many cultures. This was completely worthwhile, for I know I have a more rounded sense of knowledge.

Personal Information

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.

The Loras Professors amount of school work made up for the lack of school work given by our IADT professors. Each Irish professor was more interested in getting us out and exploring first-hand than to read.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very friendly and helpful during the first week and transitioning into the school, but outside of that, we hardly interacted.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were very nice and furnished, but the commute from the apartments to anywhere else in the city was a drag.

* Food:

We cooked our own food in our kitchens, so it was what we expected with the cheap grocery store brands.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we could've interacted more with Irish students, but that is hard when IADT is a commuter school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I know there were a couple of instances where one had to go to the hospital, and her experience consisted a lot of waiting for a doctor's attention.

* Safety:

I didn't feel in danger at all while I was in Ireland. Sandymount village was very safe especially.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Dublin is an expensive city. It was hard to pay for tuition as well as grocery shop and pay for all of the trips to other countries as well without constantly worrying about your bank account.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go for cheap souvenirs, like postcards. Save your money for the once-in-a-lifetime excursions such as hang gliding over the Swiss Alps.

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

  • 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 living accomodations
  • The preparedness of the program
  • The easiness to travel around Europe
* What could be improved?
  • The college we go to
  • The living arrangements
  • The program's budget
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.