Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best decision of my life! March 18, 2022

By (Creative Writing, Providence College) - abroad from 08/31/2021 to 12/11/2021 with

IES Abroad: Dublin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I learn how to be a better traveler, communicator, and student, but I gained a lot more confidence in everyday things. From the moment I left for Ireland to the day I had to return to the U.S, I feel as though my confidence levels have changed dramatically and I am a much better person because of it.

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.

* 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

IES Abroad was a great program to go through. I think that this program really wants students to experience every last bit of their experience abroad and that is definitely how I felt in my abroad experience in Dublin, Ireland.

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)

When you are abroad, there will be a lot of things you will want to do. That being said, it is important to be mindful of how much you spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would spend roughly up to $80-$100 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? One tip is to definitely make a budget sheet or at least prepare yourself for expenses while abroad. It is very important to plan ahead, especially when you are going abroad to know how much you may spend in a different country.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people that I met
  • The culture of Ireland
  • My courses
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Though we were told to be mindful of a budget, I wish I knew a bit more about the prices of certain items before going abroad.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.