Studying abroad in Dublin was the best decision I have ever made in my life! Past Review
By Victoria D (Public Relations, Advertising, Applied Communication, Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 04/15/2016 with
IES Abroad: Dublin - History, Politics & Social Change
I became a much more independent and self-sufficient person. It was an experience that I needed to have and that changed me as a person in a great way. I did a lot of growing up and saw things that even my parents have not seen. I am so fortunate for the opportunity.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics in IES Dublin were very do-able! The professors were very helpful, but balancing studying and travel was easy. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Loved the IES Dublin staff! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had an awesome roommate and an impeccable apartment that was close to downtown and only a 30 minute walk to school. |
| * Food: |
The restaurants in Dublin are like no other! Such diversity in food. I did not have a bad meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
IES was so accommodating with people being sick and checking up on us, especially Jackie. A couple of my friends were having some anxiety and she was right there to help them and follow-up with them, offering any help she could give. |
| * Safety: |
I felt so safe here- there was a lot of terrorism going on and there still is in Europe, but Dublin is so safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If you are considering going abroad and are worried about getting cold feet...GO! It was the most amazing experience of my life, and I grew as a person and learned so much. Ireland is an outstanding place to study and I can't imagine studying anywhere else. It really felt like home after only a few short weeks. I was there for 12 weeks total, and I cried when I left Dublin. I made so many new friends and memories in that city, and I am considering trying to get a job there so I can live there permanently! IES did a great job of allowing us to balance school and travel, so it was not stressful to explore while still getting good grades. I loved all of the pubs and the traditional Irish food. The night life is awesome and the city is so urban. There are really great restaurants, bars, and shopping. There are day trips by bus to go visit places like the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Stone, etc. It is really easy to sign up and go! I cannot stress how great this program was enough! If you are considering studying abroad, go with IES and go to Dublin- you won't regret it. |
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) |
If you want to get a full study abroad experience, save your money and don't be afraid to spend it. I spent a lot of money but I had worked and saved it for the purpose of going abroad. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so plan ahead! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Groceries were very cheap-30 euro max per week. Alcohol and eating out probably made that about 80-100 euro per week total. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was very pro trying all of the food and eating out. I really saved BEFORE I left and did very little. But, buy alcohol to drink and have that before you go out then only buy one or two drinks while you are out. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how much I would enjoy it and truly love traveling and meeting new people. I was very scared and resistant to going abroad, but as soon as I got there I could not believe I ever second guessed it! |
