Taking the Stage Past Review
By Alyx G (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
IES Abroad: Dublin Direct Enrollment - National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting
I learned to trust myself. I gained confidence I never had before. I learned how to be self-sufficient. I learned how to prioritize. I grew into an adult through all the mistakes I made and all the successes I celebrated. I gained friends. Some who were even foreign to Ireland. I became so much more creative. I discovered a new artistic side of myself. I began to develop my own artistic sense and theatrical style. I learned how to stand in my own skin and be confident in my abilities. I learned how to be patient. How to deal with huge amounts of stress productively. How to make friends. How to be understanding of a new culture. I learned of America's influence and reception abroad. I learned that the world is SO. MUCH. BIGGER. than this one country I've lived in for 21 years. I learned that your life can change in a moment. I learned that no one's path is the same. I learned to embrace failure. I learned to accept myself and to listen to my heart. It's true what they say: you only live once. It's your life to live, so do it. Living the same day every day for 75 years does not a life make. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely. Absolutely.
Review Photos
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Gorgeous accommodations provided by IES. |
| * Food: |
Irish food is delicious. But as far as what you'll be eating on the reg, you'll make your own lunches. For the most part, you'll be eating like a student. But, on occasion, you'll eat some AMAZING Irish food. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very very very much so. You go to school with Irish kids, so you get to know the culture rather intimately. There were a couple weekends in which I stayed with friends that lived in other counties just because I could! If it wouldn't have been for the friends that I made, I wouldn't have gotten out half as much as I did. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
They addressed how healthcare worked for us. Fortunately, I never had to take advantage of the information. The entire system is slightly confusing, though. |
| * Safety: |
Extremely safe. You won't have any problems as long as you're not stupid. It's just like living at home; don't do anything there that you wouldn't do at home. |
| 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? | 40-80 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Watch your spending on drinks... It goes quicker than you would ever think. |
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? | YOU ARE ALLOWED TO WEAR BLACK, GREY, AND NAVY. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Acting |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Maureen |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | If you're serious about acting and about improving your skills, this entire program is for you. I fell in love with my acting class. Maureen is absolutely brilliant; by the end of a 30-45 minute workshop of a scene in class, there would be HUGE strides made by the actors. It was both mind-blowing and inspirational. I have never experienced such a creative and confidence-instilling environment in all my life. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
