Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Lovely Irish Summer Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 06/08/2016 to 07/23/2016 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much not only about myself, but also so much about Ireland's beautiful culture and history. I also got to meet and gain perspectives from people from all over the United States. The landscapes are breathtaking and really opened my eyes to all the beauty this world has to offer!

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.

Classes were super interesting and helped immerse us in the culture and give us a background to the country's history. The professors are super knowledgeable and were interested in not only teaching us but learning about us students as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing group of staff that was super eager to help us have the best experience while abroad. They were always there to answer questions and went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had an adorable, clean, nice apartment in the heart of Dublin city.

* Food:

If you like hearty plates of meat and potatoes paired with a beer, you'll love Irish food selections.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program and classes take you to multiple locations around the city. Our staff also offered advice on restaurants, pubs, and other entertainment as well as tips on interacting with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Our program offered a great health care program. Luckily I personally did not have to use it, but I know one of my peers who had a rather good experience when she did.

* Safety:

For being a capital city of the country, Dublin felt SO safe. I really never felt uneasy or nervous while walking regardless of time of day. IES staff also has a 24 hour phone number in case of emergencies.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would absolutely pick this exact program again. There was honestly nothing I would change about my experience abroad.

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)

I would say I spent roughly $200 a week but that included all food (both groceries and eating out), nights out, public transportation, and weekend trips.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries!!! Do not eat out every meal. It can really catch up. Also, use public transportation when possible and trains/buses for weekend excursions!

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?
  • The stunning landscapes.
  • The extremely helpful, friendly staff.
  • The amazing friends I made.
* What could be improved?
  • N/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I *can* travel and experience the world on my own. I was so anxious and worried about all the logistics of being thousands of miles away from home but the second I stepped off my plane, I realized I would be perfectly fine. There is no need to worry! Just GO and have the most amazing experience!

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.