Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure is out there - IES Irish Studies Past Review

By (Nonprofit Management, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 04/18/2015 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad has taught me a lot about myself. I am more open to the idea of living somewhere extremely different for a short time, and it definitely made me catch the travel bug. It has also made me more confident when I enter new situations, because that was something we dealt with constantly while abroad. I have a special appreciation for kind, welcoming people because I know how much it meant to me while I was in a new place, and I try harder to be that person for others. Listening to others talk about the United States also changed how I view my country, and it was very eye-opening.

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.

It isn't a difficult program, but you can learn a lot if you are engaged in the classes. A lot of learning takes place outside the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES Center staff were AMAZING! They went above and beyond to help everyone feel comfortable and supported, even providing ideas for trips.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment I stayed in was fairly standard. Some in the program had very nice, new apartments, while others had older apartments. All were perfectly fine.

* Food:

Dublin has cafes everywhere with a ton of different types of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult to meet Irish people because our classes were with other Americans and we lived with Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The pharmacists are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I went there a couple of times when I had a cold rather than seeing a doctor. Otherwise, the healthcare system didn't seem much different.

* Safety:

I never felt like I was in danger. Of course, it's always a good idea to travel in groups at night and make sure you check in with friends. With that said, the neighborhood is pretty safe and easy to navigate.

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)

Studying abroad is as expensive as you make it. If you want to see a lot and do a lot, it will be more expensive. If you stay home all day and never eat at restaurants or go out at night, it can be very inexpensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euro on food, maybe 50 on expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk as often as possible instead of taking the bus. Cook dinner in groups a few nights a week. Always eat breakfast in your apartment. Having oatmeal or eggs can be an easy way to save money so that you can go out for lunch or dinner.

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 isn't spoken very much in Dublin, so the only times we heard it outside of class was when we took the bus. We didn't speak it outside of class, either.

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? I had never learned Irish. I have taken Spanish courses previously.
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? Watch the Irish news channel and use the duolingo app each day.

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 was amazing.
  • It was very easy to travel from Dublin.
  • The classes incorporated a real life aspect that helped us learn the concepts.
* What could be improved?
  • There were few opportunities to get to know Irish people.
  • The volunteering course took a lot of time.
  • The IES trips are a bit expensive, although I really thought they were worth the cost.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was silly and imagined that all of Ireland is green and rural like in pictures or movies. Dublin is a city, and even though it's a really great city, don't expect it to be like the countryside in the middle or west of Ireland.

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.