Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Delightfully Dublin Past Review

By (English Literature, Secondary Education, Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 06/04/2015 to 07/17/2015 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in international travel that will serve me well in the future. I traveled every weekend with friends, and I even spent a weekend by myself where I only planned my flight and hostel. When I got there I figured it out as I went, and I am so thankful for that experience. This was a summer that I will never forget.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Dublin - IES Abroad Dublin Center Photo IES Abroad: Dublin - IES Abroad Dublin Center Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There's nothing like experiencing in real life what you're learning in the classroom. With IES, I went to the theatre and museums with my professors to bring my coursework to life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff was so friendly and organized. I never felt out of the loop, and I always felt 100% supported.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had a few issues with the apartment, but it was nothing that couldn't and wasn't fixed. We were a very close walk to the IES center, grocery stores, and the infamous Grafton Street.

* Food:

I was able to cook in our apartment, which was awesome and saved me loads of money. IES took us to a phenomenal restaurant for our welcome and farewell dinners, and it was by far the best meal I've ever eaten. Ever.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our classes were just with other IES American students, so I didn't get much social integration there. Since it's Dublin and Irish people are wonderful, I was able to interact and have conversations with people around the country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As far as I knew, we didn't have any major health care issues, but during orientation we got a lot of information on what to do if an issue were to arise. IES had an emergency phone number that we could call any time if something happened.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe. Garda (police) are around the city, and they're all so friendly. I walked alone during the day and at night, and I never once was afraid.

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)

Since our apartment had a kitchen, I cooked most of my meals. I only ate out maybe once a week except for when I was elsewhere on weekends. It's so easy to live on a budget if you cook for yourself.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent maybe $30 a week on groceries, and less than $20 a week for activities such as movies, museums, and transportation.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book weekend travel way in advance! My friends and I sat down our first week and booked trips to Glasgow, Scotland and Amsterdam, Netherlands, and people who booked the same places later ended up spending nearly $100 more than we did. Travel is cheap and easy. Find a good hostel (definitely read reviews online to make sure it's good) and travel with Aer Lingus or Ryan Air, and you'll have an amazing and affordable time.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My professors and the IES staff were phenomenal.
  • Weekend excursion trips planned by IES.
  • Drinking gallons of hot tea with milk and biscuits at the IES center.
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, nothing. It was phenomenal.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have brought significantly less clothes. There were things I either didn't wear or only wore once or twice. I came back with even more stuff than I came with, so my backpack was stuffed on the plane home. Less is more, and if there's anything you realize you need, there are plenty of stores you can go to.

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.