Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Irish Studies Past Review

By (Neuroscience, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time spent in Dublin holds a very special place in my heart and I owe this incredible experience to the wonderful IES administration and students. Living and learning in a different country is one of the best experiences you can give yourself and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their horizons and grow. I learned so much about myself and the world around me from this experience. The academics and field trips within the Irish Studies program helped me to gain a great understanding of Irish culture, traditions, and history. I also met many amazing individuals and made life long friends while abroad. IES really made Dublin feel like home for a semester.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the staff
  • the field trips
  • the bonds I made
* What could be improved?
  • housing could be closer to the IES center
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have packed lighter and I wish I had known how fast the time would fly by while I was having so much fun learning and experiencing the world.

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.