Woes from Ireland, But Worth the ISP. Dublin - Transformation of Social and Political Conflict Past Review
By Britt S (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) for
SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations
Despite the difficulties of my host family, the disappointment with the academic rigor, and the cliquey-ness of the other students on the trip, I gained a lifetime friend, incredible access for my research, and a deep connection to Ireland. Definitely worthwhile.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was not very academically critical. The most persistent homework question was to "reflect" on an activity from earlier that day. This process became quite boring and elementary seeming over time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While the administrators were always incredibly accessible to students, they were not very proactive when problems arose. I had several issues with my host family, particularly related to my vegetarianism, and it took firm action on my part to get the administration to step in. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Although my host family was very welcoming, I never particularly felt at home, in part because my family's home was always chaotic and rarely clean, making for several uncomfortable situations and when I really needed to get work done. Most problematic was that my host mom always made fun of my vegetarian needs. Apparently they don't really eat peanut butter in Ireland. One of the biggest shifts in lifestyle was factoring in the 1 1/2 hour commute into Dublin every day, especially on the Number 7 bus. In general, Dublin transportation is notoriously a pain. |
| * Food: |
My host mom wasn't attentive to my vegetarian needs and wasn't a very good cook in general. However, eating vegetarian out wasn't any more of a problem than it is in the States. Regardless of your food preferences, eat brown bread (not soda bread) and loads of scones! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The most enriching moments of the experience were our trips away from Dublin, in Co. Mayo, South Armagh, Belfast, and Derry-Londonderry. These times felt like true cultural immersion. As above, meeting a local peer was a thrilling was to experience the Dublin nightlife. While the other students in the program went to the same pub every night, I was able to find quaint community areas during the day and could explored the local hot spots at night. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No major issues of any kind. Although it doesn't go to every area, the Nightlink is an incredibly useful way to get around after midnight. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | We were given quite an adequate stipend of 35 Euro/week for lunches and personal expenses. If you spent wisely, you could save enough for a dinner out on a weekend. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Dublin is widely expensive. Everything's a bit cheaper across the border in Northern Ireland. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to do field research, this program is a wonderful way to learn, see, reflect (more often then is natural and not contrived, but you'll survive), and EXPLORE. A wonderful way to go to discover different areas of Ireland while still feeling a deep connection to the particular area by the time you leave. |
