Ireland Summer 2014 Past Review
By A student (English Language and Literature, History, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/04/2014 to 07/19/2014 with
IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
Studying abroad in Ireland this past summer was by far the best decision I could have made. From the people I met to the places I was able to travel to, it was overall an incredible experience. I can't recommend studying through IES enough--the staff is so enthusiastic about helping you to optimize your time abroad and they are truly there to help you--so make sure to take advantage of all of their knowledge! Studying in Dublin was absolutely a worthwhile experience and if you have the opportunity--definitely go, you will not regret it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although not excessive, throughout the program there was a consistent amount of work due for classes each week. However, a lot of the class work overlapped and it was all extremely interesting and relevant to life in Ireland. The professors were great--they were extremely intelligent and went out of their way to help you. I can't recommend these classes enough--though challenging at times, it was always ultimately worth it and the professors ensured a positive experience overall. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES does an great job of making sure your time abroad is the best that it can possibly be. The staff they have set in place, from the RAs to the Professors genuinely want to you enjoy your time in Ireland and will go out of their way to help you with any question or concern that may arise. Whether its getting the name of the best coffee shop for studying or how to get around Ireland the cheapest--the staff is there to offer great advice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing varied in the program but the location could not be beat. There was so much around where the apartments were located that it was easy to become immersed in the culture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES makes it their priority to do all that they can to help you feel integrated with the local culture. From giving you directions to field trips and group outings--its easy to feel at ease with your new setting in only a few short weeks. Not to mention the Irish people are incredibly friendly and constantly make you feel welcome! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Dublin--although very much an urban city, as long as you are aware of your surroundings, you will be fine. Since it is also primarily a walking city, I was quickly able to familiarize myself with the area & could navigate easily and safely. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Come prepared to spend a lot but try not to stress about it too much. Ireland is expensive--and with the exchange rate, you will ultimately end up losing money coming from US dollars but don't let this prevent you from enjoying your time there. Just make sure to budget your money in the beginning--especially if you plan to travel around. The IES staff there is also great for money-saving advice and you should definitely utilize their knowledge of the area! They can direct you to the cheapest grocery, where to buy inexpensive apartment goods, or tell you the best/most cost effective way to travel around--they are your best source of information, so when in doubt, ask! |
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? | Just how expensive Dublin really is--definitely come prepared knowing that you will be spending a lot during your time here. The weather over the summer--it is kind of all over the place (anywhere from sweaters to shorts) and it was something I didn't really expect, so make sure to pack clothes for all occasions. |
