Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A transformative experience! Past Review

By (New York University) - abroad from 03/03/2018 to 05/26/2018 with

The Intern Group: Dublin Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The internship was definitely worthwhile. Working in a less structured setting taught me how to keep myself on track. I also improved tremendously at communicating with my bosses. My bosses put in a substantial amount of effort in making sure that I also benefitted from this experience, and I gained experience relevant to my major and future career. I can also now say with complete certainty that I am capable of taking care of myself while living on my own.

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.

There was a tremendous amount of care into making sure that I benefitted from the experience as much as my employers did. My work was challenging, but people checked in frequently to make sure that I could handle the challenge, and that I had all the resources I needed to complete my tasks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff went above and beyond in all aspects. They supported me through all the problems I had with moving in, settling in my internship, and provided invaluable help when some mental health issues of my past resurfaced.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Convenient location, safe area, and great neighborhood. Housing company was very receptive to concerns, and my roommates were relatively respectful.

* Food:

There was a kitchen large enough to handle all of my needs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Extremely integrated. Dublin is a very friendly place in general, but the intern coordinators truly helped me settle in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I saw a counselor and a physician in a walk in clinic. Both were recommended by my program, and both met my needs. I have never seen a counselor, or visited a walk in clinic at home, but the service in Dublin was good.

* Safety:

The program coordinators were always available for recommendations on how to stay safe, and which areas to avoid. I would recommend trusting them with any safety concerns you have.

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

My time with Dublin was an unparalleled experience. I grew professionally, and personally. It was a wonderful experience for a high school graduate, and I will go into college over prepared for dorm life. The community that The Intern Group provided was an invaluable part of the experience, and I plan to keep in touch with many new friends.

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)

The groceries were very affordable in Dublin. It was not hard to live on a student's budget after I got to know the local grocery stores.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take the bus, walk if you can, and cook all your meals at home. By doing so, I had plenty of money left over for experiences.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Community
  • Care for interns
  • Personal support
* What could be improved?
  • Housing location
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that there would be a welcoming, established community waiting for me with open arms, and not to worry about being lonely, not having guidance, or not having support for any problem that I face.

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 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.