Dublin's Gaiety School of Acting-Intensive training and Exciting Experiences Past Review
By Rikki P (Theatre, The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Dublin Direct Enrollment - National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting
I learned about myself as a performer and it really pushed me more than I have been at my home university. Also, I loved living in Dublin. It made me aware of the different ways people see the world and how many different lifestlyes are out there. It's made me want to travel more and maybe even study in a foreign country again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The GSA summer intensive program requires discipline and dedication. There is a lot of memorization and the professors require your full commitment in class activities. However, they also incorporate cultural visits and downtime into the schedule. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES center was a bit far from our housing (a 35 minute walk away). However, since we did not need to go there often it was not a great inconvenience. The administration at the GSA was a not very proactive but it seemed that that was more of a cultural difference than a lack of organization; they took there time planning and informing us of our schedules. The size of the program was very good, only about 10 students were in the acting classes which meant that everyone had time to perform and get feedback. The classes and cultural visits were great and there was a nice balance of work and downtime. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was living in the Christchurch Hall Apartments. There are in a fantastic location, safe and close to stores and restaurants and school. Also, we were only a walk away from many of Dublin's tourist attractions. The apartments came with kitchen, sheets, cookware, towel, washer/drying rack, tv, and had a elevator (that worked most of the time). Also, the front door requires a security code and your keys to you apartment are securely placed in a locked box downstairs. |
| * Food: |
Dublin has a nice variety of restaurants. Pubs serve the usual fish and chips and sandwiches or you can get typical college kid favorites like pizza, burgers or chinese nearby. Also, the are several decently priced grocers like Dunnes or Lidel (Lidel is the cheapest but Dunnes has better quality). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Glasnevin cemetary, Theatre Visits, and the Jameson Distillery were some of my favorites from the GSA cultural events. Also, the IES weekend trip to Galway was one of my favorite parts of the whole summer! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Dublin was very safe as long as you are responsible. As always don't stray from the group when you go out at night if you need to leave take a cab home and check in with your roommates by texting/calling. The only problems I heard about from others students were the result of drunken nights out on the town but that is the case at home as well. Other than that I felt comfortable to go around Dublin by myself to go shopping of go to a cafe or to visits some of the cultural attractions in the day. You are required to always have your phone with you though according to IES. As far as healthcare, I did not need any medical care while abroad but some of the other students in our apartments did get sick and when they did the IES staff was always there to help and make sure that they saw a doctor and were treated. |
| 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? | I would recommend cooking at home and trying to plan meals with other living with you. We did that near the end of our trip and it saved us money and was a great way to spend time together. I wouldn't change anything about the program but I would let people know that Dublin is know for being a very expensive city so try to be wise about your purchases but don't let money stop you from having fun. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I recommend this program to any student dedicated to becoming a better actor. It is challenging and intense but incredibly rewarding. You get to immerse yourself in performance all day and are constantly pushed and supported as you learn more about yourself as a performer. In this program you can't be afraid to take chances with your work and give your full commitment to your craft. It is a great way to learn about acting and also see Dublin (the city, it's history, the nightlife, and it's theatre). |
