An Irish Dream Past Review
By Cassandra B (Creative Writing and Literature, Loras College) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 05/21/2015 with
IADT - Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology: Dun Laoghaire - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was very worthwhile. I learned a lot about traveling, adapting to new cultures, how to make new friends, and a lot about myself as well, and how I am actually quite comfortable being alone.
Review Photos
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. |
Although I very much enjoyed the challenge of the classes by Dr. McCarthy-Gilmore, I found that the class education that I received at IADT was very sub-par, disorganized and frustrating at times. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Dr. McCarthy-Gilmore and Abbie did great jobs of getting us settled and our needs met in Ireland. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of our apartments were perfect. Although there were a few issues dealing with cleanliness, I was overall satisfied with our living accommodations. |
| * Food: |
We were free to shop for our own groceries, which proved to be low cost from TESCO. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Irish were always very friendly and hospitable to us. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any major issues myself, only minor illnesses, but the issues of other students were always dealt with promptly. The worst I ever dealt with was fevers and colds, probably from so much public transportation and lack of sleep. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Dublin, and we never had any issues. |
| 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) |
Compared to other European cities, Dublin was relatively expensive, but if you watched how much you ate out and shopped, it was pretty easy to stay on budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | probably between $50 and $75 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Research transportation options carefully, shop at TESCO for the cheapest groceries, watch how much you are spending at pubs on drinks, and buy souvenirs sparingly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How difficult it would be to make new friends, and how much you really have to put yourself out there if you want to. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
