Can I Do it All Again??? Past Review
By Greg Van Buskirk (Temple University) - abroad from 06/06/2018 to 07/21/2018 with
IES Abroad: Dublin - History, Politics & Social Change
I learned a LOT. I learned that I can adapt to another country and culture and grow by getting very far out of my comfort zone. I learned about how complex Ireland's culture and society is, which is far different from the stereotypes you see in pop culture. I also learned that it is one of the most beautiful places EVER.
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. |
My instructors were absolutely outstanding. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly. I learned so much in the classroom and on the many excursions our classes took into the city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES staff was insanely helpful in any and all aspects of my study abroad experience. They made sure we had the time of our lives and stayed safe and healthy for the whole summer. I hope to see them again one day! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our apartments in Dublin were top notch. It was a cool community to be a part of and the apartments were very nice and had everything we needed. |
| * Food: |
Irish food is fantastic and Dublin has an even wider variety of cuisine. Near our education center and our apartments were many options for eating out or grocery shopping. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very engrossed in Dublin and Irish culture considering the program was 6 weeks. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
IES organized any medical support one could need while abroad. No concern had to be handled alone. |
| * Safety: |
Dublin was a very safe place but IES took every measure to make sure we knew exactly how to be safe and aware. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
IES made study abroad manageable, stress-free, and an absolute blast. I wish I could go again! |
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) |
Dublin is a somewhat expensive place to live. I saved up a lot before going abroad which helped. |
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? |
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 that adapting was going to be as easy and fun as it was because that had scared me a lot. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
