Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable experience of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Central Washington University) - abroad from 01/25/2017 to 05/26/2016 with

KEI Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the independence and confidence to move to a large city and learn how to be a local. By the end of my time abroad I learned so many things, I could easily get around the city using public transportation and it really felt like I had lived their my entire life!

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.

The classes were fairly similar to what I would normally take at my home university. The professors were very helpful and were approachable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host country program staff was Olwyn, our program adviser and she is she is the best!! Olwyn in so helpful, fun, friendly and the perfect person to ask about anything Ireland! I have been back for a year and we still keep in touch when we can.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing consists of a basic apartment. Rooms are shared but are spacious. The kitchen is small and nice, there is no oven, but a nice stove top and microwave. All the doors automatically lock so keeping my key fob with me all the time was an adjustment but I got used to it.

* Food:

The food was good, it is fun to go out and find fun restaurants and cafes!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The best way to integrate yourself with locals is by going out and making friends with your classmates. Or you could possibly join a club or group to make more local friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were addressed before the program began. A few of my friends got sick and our program director offered to take them to the local doctor or helped them find what they needed at the pharmacy.

* Safety:

I never felt un-safe in Dublin. Especially on campus because they have great security! Most of the people you meet are friendly.

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

KEI was great. They provided me with everything I needed before, during and after the term was over.

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 tried to stay on a budget but it was hard for me because of how often we ate out instead of made food at home. Groceries were not inexpensive and I could have cooked at home more to save money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay in and cook when you can. Save money for traveling, shopping and going out on the weekends.

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

  • International Students
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 location
  • The host university professors
* What could be improved?
  • Help with choosing courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a really nice backpack for traveling and grocery shopping. You have to bring your own bags for grocery shopping and the store is pretty far away.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.