Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wanderlust: Dublin Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/25/2013 with

IFSA: Dublin - Trinity College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends, an new way to learn and research and study, a new perspective on my heritage, etc. It was the most worthwhile thing I've done in my life thus far.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I moved a little more than halfway through the semester due to roommate issues, but my housing before the move was amazing and the housing afterwards was also exceptional. The transition was very easy thanks to the help of the administration.

* Food:

We were required to deal with food on our own. Food was not included in this program.

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save all your receipts, and check your bank account every day. If possible, open a bank account in your area - it will save in conversion costs in the end, and you won't be penalized for using an out-of-country card or ATM or anything of the kind.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
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 administration
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • how easy it is to travel around Ireland/Europe
* What could be improved?
  • the weather (joke)
  • Irish/American/International student integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dublin is much more expensive than New York City.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'