Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It allowed me to experience a beautiful country and have the time of my life. Past Review

By (Sociology and Anthropology, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/07/2017 to 07/22/2017 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - History, Politics & Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself and being independent. I was constantly shocked by the culture of Ireland and I learned a lot about that. Also this was completely out of my comfort zone and I ended up making a lot of friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was very easy but I still learned a lot of things. It was easier to learn and grasp information when I knew I did not have a huge test coming up. My teachers were amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Lots of options. Also had a kitchen in my dorm.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I broke my foot and my program helped me get to a doctor. The doctor herself was incorrect and gave me the wrong diagnosis, but that's not the program's fault.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Dublin. However, at the clubs it was scary. Girls should make sure they do not go to clubs without guys.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

IES was very organized. They made it easy for us.

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)

I went way over my budget because I bought a lot of meals and alcohol.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I have no idea, but I spent $3,000 in spending money while I was there. (including food and activities)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget meals! At the same time though, I feel like I would not have had the same experience if I wasn't able to just do what I want. It was worth it.

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 people on it
  • The organization
  • Dublin and Ireland
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bring so many clothes!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.