Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take me back!!! Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and accepting of other cultures. I feel more open minded and less scared of venturing out of my comfort zone and throwing myself into a new culture.

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.

I know so much about Ireland now. I could talk for hours about the history, culture, and the cities themselves.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff is so unbelievably helpful and welcoming. I will definitely keep in contact with them for years to come.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was in the best area of Dublin. The apartments were in beautiful condition and had everything I needed. If I needed something for the apartment, RAs were helpful to get it in a timely manner.

* Food:

Dublin gets a bad rap for having bad food. The food was amazing. I can't find a decent scone, coffee, or fish and chips anywhere in America.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had tons of Irish friends by the time I left for home. They are all so welcoming and have offered to have me come back whenever I want.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The wellness officer is amazing. When I was sick, I knew exactly where to go to get what I needed. Also, she addressed all the cultural differences with health within days of being there.

* Safety:

I never felt in danger anywhere in Dublin. It is such a safe city. I could walk around at night by myself and not think twice about where I was going or being alone.

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 hard because you want to do so much. I wanted to travel as much as I could in Europe while I had the chance so budgeting was hard. Save as much as you can and splurge when necessary.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-80 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend it all at the beginning you will regret it. It may seem you have a lot to spend but it goes quickly

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Irish is a dying language of sorts. The program encouraged us to take the language class but no one really uses it outside a classroom setting.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There's no need to really worry. Every one in most countries speaks English

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • People
  • Staff
  • The City
* What could be improved?
  • Grading
  • Field Trips
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Garda card is the fourth ring of hell.

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.