IES Abroad Dublin – History, Politics & Social Change

I studied abroad through the IES Abroad Dublin Irish Studies program. I loved this program because it allowed me to have a flexible schedule outside of academics. This program also chooses to take much of the academic process outside of the classroom. Many classes provided opportunities to learn about Irish culture through first hand interaction with the community as well as providing chances to go on educational journeys on the weekends. The program really places a focus on learning through experience rather than standardized tests and quizzes. The Dublin staff is absolutely incredible. Staff members go the extra mile to help students adjust to their new surroundings and also to feel at home both in the IES Center and the city as a whole. The IES Staff were such an amazing tool while abroad. Staff were happy to help with anything from advice, to recommendations, to academic questions. IES Abroad Dublin also makes a special effort to provide opportunities to get involved with the community. Housing in Binary Hub gives students quick access to the city center as well as nice, private rooms. If I had to do my study abroad over, I would definitely choose IES Abroad Dublin again.

My semester with IES was one that I will never forget. I had such an incredible time getting to explore a new country and with the guidance of the IES faculty my adventure was even more meaningful. IES does an excellent job of balancing your life as a student and your life as a world-traveler. You still have classwork that needs to be done but the staff are not only there to help you academically but to support your adventures. I can’t count how many times my professors at IES helped me to plan a trip or even recommendations of things to do in my host country. From the minute I got off the plane I could feel the support of the IES staff as they met us at the airport, directed us where to go and met up with us as soon as we got settled. I know I was nervous to move to a new place but after a few days of adjusting it truly felt like home!

My experience studying abroad in Dublin will be the biggest adventure I ever have in my life. I was really excited about the Irish Studies program because I have always wanted to learn more about the Irish culture so it was a perfect fit. The classes were very interesting and the teachers were so knowledgeable. I am so thankful for the great teachers that I had in the program because they taught me a lot and they were very nice people. In one of my classes, we would take walks around the city of Dublin and the teacher would stop and tell us about Dublin’s history and it’s present day. Being in this program allowed me to be independent but I also had teachers and faculty close by if I ever needed assistance with anything. I loved the way the classes were scheduled because it gave me great opportunities to explore Dublin and to travel to other countries on the weekend. The IES program had many field trips that we could attend. The Northen Ireland trip I went on was one of the best weekends that I had in my semester abroad. The IES faculty planned out the trip so well that we were able to see so much of the Northern coast in just a few days. The IES program helped me feel more connected to my classmates and to the culture in Dublin. I can’t wait for the day when I can go back to Dublin and relive the great times that I had.