An experience that changed me forever! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The intensity of the program is dictated by which classes you choose to take at Trinity. I found the classes to be rigorous enough, though considerably less difficult than classes I am used to taking at my home university. There is more emphasis placed on individual research at Trinity College, but your final grade is usually based on either a paper alone, a paper and an exam, or an exam alone. It is up to the student to structure their workload accordingly - you can effectively make the program as difficult or as easy as you choose.

On-site administration of your program

I was very impressed by the level of dedication the IFSA Butler Ireland staff showed to the program. They were always available when I needed them, and did regular check-ins of the apartment and students. The program seemed to run very smoothly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was very nice - I stayed in a city centre apartment with two other girls on the program. The apartment was clean, spacious, and new. We had wireless internet, a living room, and a full kitchen with a fridge and dishwasher. In addition, the apartment complex was gated and there was a security guard at the entrance, so I always felt safe.

I had no problems finding food, though it was more expensive than food in the US. This is primarily because of the conversion rate from dollars to euro. I also have to eat gluten free - there were an abundance of options for me, none of which were too outrageously priced. Eating out was more expensive than in the US, especially for people with restricted diets (vegan/vegetarian seemed like it would be harder to keep up here).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I integrated very easily. I would advise students to join campus societies and really make an effort to go out with local Irish students as much as possible. You will make friends easily if you make an effort and show locals that you are willing to spend time with them. In this respect, the program wasn't all that helpful - it is pretty much up to you to meet and socialize with local students. Again, the amount of effort you're willing to put in here really will determine your level of success!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a few healthcare issues while abroad and was very well taken care of by IFSA Butler. The staff were easy to contact, extremely helpful, and made sure to check up on me and accompany me to my appointments if needed. The healthcare system here is a little different than the system in the USA - I found that this really only translates to a greater difficulty in getting an appointment within a reasonable amount of time (unless you go to the emergency room, but even then I had a friend who got hurt quite badly and had to wait hours before she was seen). The OTC medications here are different as well, so be sure to make a note of that! (they don't really have Advil or Tylenol; they have something called Paracetemol)

I always felt very safe in Dublin, even walking alone at night. It is a safe city, and, as mentioned before, there was a 24-hr security guard stationed at the entrance to the apartment complex so I was never worried about safety there.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Things were a little more expensive than they are in the US, but that's primarily because of the conversion rate. If you don't open a bank account in Ireland, most US banks charge you a pretty high fee to withdraw or transfer money, or use a debit card. I would advise students to get an Irish bank account (it's really easy) and just use that for all in-country purchases. If you budget well and don't go crazy on unnecessary spending, you'll be fine.

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• Local Students
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• Helpfulness
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