Best experience of my life! July 03, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some of the professors were exceptional and some were average. Overall, the education was stimulating and good. The criticism I have with the university is that I was constantly left without direction from professors. In one class, I asked the professor continuously throughout the class how to study for assignments and what my essays should be on. She would constantly tell me to "not study for the test, just use your intuition." However, the tests and essay would have oddly specific rubrics that did not match up with the vague prompts she gave. This repeated in varying extents throughout the other classes I took.

On-site administration of your program

Everyone I talked with at IFSA was friendly and warm. However, they barely had any interactions with us after the introductory zoom meetings. They advertised that we would take trips together but then canceled the trips due to COVID. The in-Dublin activities that they organized in place of those trips were very few and very far between. I loved Ireland but wished I had been on a program with more in-person activities.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got excellent housing through IFSA! I had my own room and bathroom with a shared kitchen. My suitemates were other American study-abroad students. The building was very modern and in the city center of Dublin.

Food was allocated through the IFSA program, but I purchased my own ingredients/meals at local grocery stores. I am gluten-free and was able to find options to fit that need in Ireland. My gluten-eating friends had an even easier time finding good food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although people knew right away that I was American from my accent, pretty much every Irish person I met in and outside of Trinity College was extremely welcoming. I have never been somewhere with such friendly people. I felt very included. I also joined a local Church near my apartment; the Priest there went out of his way to welcome me to the Church.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thought COVID was handled well in Ireland. I had a couple of exposures and would be sent free COVID tests in the mail by the Irish government. I believe the COVID vaccine was required for the program. Beyond that, I did not have any other interactions with Irish healthcare.

I felt relatively safe in Dublin but I would advise against walking alone at night. I also avoided nightclubs and crowded pubs. Taking these precautions, I was able to avoid any safety issues.

I would definitely choose Ireland again. However, I might prefer a smaller city like Galway or Limerick. I also might choose an organization other than IFSA. I was very disappointed in the lack of activities/interaction provided.

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

Food was expensive, especially considering my gluten free diet. However, it seemed reasonable compared to cities in the United States and much cheaper than cities in the UK.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Housing was excellent
• IFSA staff were kind and warm

• IFSA barely planned any activities for us
• Class and department selection was confusing and poorly guided

The Avid Adventurer