Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing semester in a beautiful country. Past Review

By (Loras College) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 04/29/2016 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?
It was very worthwhile. I learned that I could be independent and live away from my home and parents. I learned that I could live in a big city and navigate public transportation. I learned that I could work internationally as well.

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.

It was good. The class taken at IADT was very easy. Hardly any of the Irish students ever showed up. It felt more like high school than college. The classes with Dr. Davis were good. Sometimes I felt like we were only taking a science class, though. I also feel the two classes should be clustered.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was okay. I loved the location of the house. That was the best part. it was a quiet neighborhood and we were by a lot of restaurants, bars and shops. We were also very close to the city center. 8 people in a 4 bedroom house is a bit much, however. Especially when all 8 have to share one small kitchen and living room. Sometimes I felt like I had nowhere to go to be by myself and get away from all of the noise.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt decently integrated. I wish I would've gotten close with some Irish students but I felt like they were hard to connect with and that I didn't have much in common with the ones in my class.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I wasn't sick at all.

* Safety:

I always felt extremely safe. Except when our house got broken into. That was a little scary. But overall I felt extremely safe in the city, especially after being in Brussels in the airport when the bombs went off.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I love Ireland and Dublin. I would for sure want to study there if I had to choose again. I might change components of the program, but overall I liked the program.

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)

I spent a lot of money. I prepared for it though. I saved up a lot and knew I wanted to be able to do a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare to spend a lot. You're going to want to go on weekend trips and go out with friends and that adds up. Some students I was living with made it by with only eating ramen, chicken nuggets and peanut butter sandwiches everyday, but I feel like that would make you pretty miserable. Don't go out to eat everyday, but you at least want enough money to buy decent groceries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
  • The internship
  • The location of my house
* What could be improved?
  • The school
  • The classes
  • Living arrangements (Chubb Properties)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing

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.