Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DCU- Spring Semester 2015 Past Review

By (Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Hope College) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/24/2015 with

IES Abroad: Dublin Direct Enrollment - Dublin City University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a new culture and ways that different people in various countries live. I also learned how to become adaptable and deal with almost any situation I came across. The whole experience was well worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Dublin - Dublin City University Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Dublin City University Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Dublin City University Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Dublin City University Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside a certain amount per week for groceries, food, and other. Once a month or so treat yourself to a little more money to use for anything.

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 fieldtrips
  • The IES abroad staff
  • DCU itself
* What could be improved?
  • More information before arrival in host country
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that DCU is about a thirty minute bus ride from city centre, because the name is Dublin City University I assumed it would've been closer to the city and that was a bit misleading. Also, knowing more about the Irish schooling system would've made it a little easier to adjust.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!