Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Craic! Past Review

By (Chemistry., Wofford College) - abroad from 01/03/2014 to 04/19/2014 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Best semester of my college career. Quite possibly the best 4 months of my life. Easy but interesting academics, awesome people, loads of adventure, and fresh Guinness. What more do you need?

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Dublin - IES Abroad Dublin Center Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

General Irish Studies: This was the easiest semester of my college career. I'm a Chem major and have had little exposure to paper writing since high school, but I had no problem with the coursework. The classes were also a blast!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone is awesome. Especially Stephen

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Percy Lane is where it's at.

* Food:

Mediocre and expensive. Get used to cooking for yourself. Go to Paris or Spain for good food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Irish people are the nicest, funniest people on the planet.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never go sick, but from what I hear, Irish doctors just throw drugs at you and send yo on your way.

* Safety:

Keep an eye on your iPhone and wallet. Basically, just don't be an idiot and keep track of your stuff.

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)

It's expensive to live in Dublin. There's no way around it. They also have huge taxes on alcohol and tobacco, so mentally prepare yourself for that as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Tuna, frozen vegetables, protein powder. Also, the cheapest food you'll find are Thai takeout, Spar sandwiches, and late-night kabobs.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Stephen McMahon (best professor ever)
  • Irish People
  • Travel/adventure
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Lower taxes on Alcohol
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DON'T STAY IN DUBLIN FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY! It's literally just a sh*t-show for American tourists. Go out to the country for the weekend.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.