IFSA Trinity College Dublin Partnership

My main goal for my study abroad experience was to immerse myself in a new culture in whatever way I could. Attending Trinity College with IFSA gave me the best of both worlds because I was able to romp around a new city, while feeling safe and secure. Heather, our main IFSA contact in Dublin, was very responsive and happily answered questions on many topics spanning from location questions to pub recommendations. Dublin was a small enough city that I was able to get around by myself after the first week, but the excitement and beauty of the city never got old. The Irish locals were so kind and easy to talk to, making my transition to living in a new city easy. I expected large classes at Trinity College but my classes were actually smaller than my home classes.The teachers were very engaged with the students, and eager to help in whatever way they could. The registration process was stressful, but IFSA staff was there to help us along every step of the way. The living situation was absolutely incredible, as we each had a single in a suite with our own bathroom. The common areas in the living situation were conducive to meeting students on other programs, from both Ireland and other countries. The IFSA organized excursion to Belfast was also one of the highlights of my trip. We spent just enough time sight-seeing, and were given free time to explore the city on our own. The Black Taxi Tour was so informative and engaging and I remember calling my family the day after, excitedly telling them everything I had learned. Some of my favorite nights were visiting random pubs and talking to locals for hours on end. Unfortunately, I never learned to like Guinness but maybe next time I visit I'll give it another go. All in all, I could not imagine a better city to travel to or a better provider to travel with.

IFSA Butler Study Abroad was the perfect program for me. Not only do they have many different countries available for studying abroad, but they offer different experiences at each. I chose to study abroad directly with a university, Trinity College Dublin. Not only did I fall in love with Dublin, but IFSA set me up perfectly to have the best study abroad experience. With their constant support and preparation available leading up to the months before departure, my pre-departure anxieties were definitely lessened. IFSA had multiple excursions planned for us that are included in the program fee. We travelled around Ireland during a couple of weekend trips to places that I wouldn't have been able to go otherwise. My favorite part of studying abroad with IFSA, though, was their constant support when I needed it. They weren't overbearing with required events and activities, but when I was feeling really homesick I had a friendly face to talk to whenever I needed to. When I experienced mental health issues, I was able to use the insurance arranged through IFSA to see a therapist free of charge. IFSA's commitment to its students is incredible, and it really feels like a small family when you're abroad. I believe IFSA was a driving force that made my study abroad experience so wonderful, and I wouldn't change it for the world!

Studying abroad with IFSA was one of the best decisions. They made logistics, travel, excursions, academics, and social life feel manageable through attentive and flexible support. They also managed to allow for complete independence. Through quick communication and a commitment to safety, I always felt comfortable. Travel around the country and outside of it was incredibly manageable, Dublin had so much to offer and was not overwhelming at all (even for someone from rural Maine!) IFSA provides opportunities for scholarship, and helps to make abroad accessible for students of all backgrounds. They’re excursions are included, and are a great opportunity to socialize, travel, and gain some cultural context and immersion. I cannot recommend abroad with IFSA enough. If you’re an adventurous student, eager to explore the world and yourself, Go abroad with IFSA!