Past Review
By Kate F (Magazines and Graphic Design, Drake University) for
IES Abroad: Dublin Direct Enrollment - Dublin City University
I am much more aware of my own culture now, compared to that of others. I find myself comparing American lifestyles to Irish lifestyles, and marveling at both the similarities and differences. I will have to adjust my academics in my senior year, and possibly drop one of my majors, since my schedule was compromised while abroad. But I have also realized I would really like to go back and live and work abroad, at least for awhile. Now I think, after I graduate, I won't be limiting my job search to the U.S.... I want to go wherever I can get a job, and I'll definitely be looking at Ireland or the UK as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses I signed up for before leaving were unavailable to me, which I didn't learn until 3 days before the beginning of term. I had to scramble for some last minute classes (most of which were full by then) and ended up taking courses that won't apply to my major, most won't even transfer for anything I need. The classes I did take could have been interesting, but as I said the lecture system is not a good way for me to learn. I learn much better with a little interaction. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They met with us outside of our apartment the first day we arrived, and took us to the IES center in City Centre. Though I didn't spend much time at the building, they did have a lot of events planned for us and we were always welcome to use the building. We even had our own key card for 24-hour access. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a four-person apartment called Shanowen Square, about a block from campus. Each person had their own bedroom and bathroom, with a shared kitchen/living room. The apartment was nice (though small) but I personally did not like my roommates. There were a lot of international students living in the complex, but also some local Irish students, and we were all mixed up pretty well. <br /><br /> Had a lot of roommate issues, but the apartment itself was good. Laundry facilities were really expensive, but it was nice being so close to campus, and to have a convenience attached to our complex. Security was sometimes too strict, but did a good job. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I spent most of my time with my teammates: at practices, tournaments, or just going out in the evening. There was always someone around to hang out with, and it was easy to find something to do in Dublin. I also really enjoyed the programs IES put on for the study abroad students -- touring Dublin in our first day, a weekend trip to London, and various dinners/lunches/coffee dates to check in with our semester. They were very attentive, and liked to know how we were doing. I also traveled a lot. (see below) |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only problem I had with healthcare was when I dislocated my shoulder. I couldn't get insurance to cover a trip to the orthopaedic surgeon unless I was referred by a doctor, but luckily there was a student-run clinic on campus that I used for free instead. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | MAKE SURE to take exchange rates into account when budgetting -- they make more of a difference than you'd think!! Also, cost of living in Ireland is really expensive, especially Dublin. I spent about E25 per week on groceries, laundry was E3 to wash and E3 to dry. If you plan on going out much, dinner is hard to find under E10-E15, and a pint will usually cost about E5 anywhere you go. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be open to anything. It will be strange, exciting, and sometimes a little scary living in a foreign country. But being in such a new situation can also give you the freedom to find out what you love, or don't love, or how you'd like to live your life or adjust your goals for the future. It puts things in a new perspective, and can be a life-changing experience. |
