Abroad in Dublin Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 06/07/2016 to 07/29/2016 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - History, Politics & Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I lived in Rathmines, Dublin and absolutely loved it. It was a close walk to the city center and it had the Irish charm I was looking for. The classes were amazing and I truly learned not only about Irish history, but also about Irish Culture as a whole. The professors were incredible and all had a genuine interest in their students and would go out of their way to help us with classes and acclimating to being abroad. The entire staff would make sure we were comfortable and safe. They also planned some incredible trips that help me see Ireland more and to get to know my classmates better as well. My classmates also became more of a family than just classmates. My classmates made my trip so amazing and helped make the transition easier. I was afraid that being so far away from friends and family would overwhelm me, but I honestly forgot that I was so far away because of all of the welcoming staff and people in the program. I am now a senior so before studying abroad I was getting very anxious about having to potentially move away in a year for a job. Studying abroad helped me realize that trying something new doesn’t have to be a scary experience, and that there are amazing opportunities everywhere, you just have to be brave enough to go find them. I couldn’t have asked for a better six weeks with IES, and if I could change anything about my experience it would be to have more time in Dublin!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Dublin - Irish Studies Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Irish Studies Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Irish Studies Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - Irish Studies 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)

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

  • Americans
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 city of Dublin
  • My Classmates
  • The IES staff
* What could be improved?
  • stay longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known in advance that the transition was not going to be that bad because I stressed a lot about it! I also wish I would have known how fast it was going to fly by so I would have taken advantage of more activities at the beginning of the program.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.