IFSA University College Dublin Partnership

What I appreciate most about IFSA is their dedication. I had a wonderful experience abroad in Dublin, Ireland and IFSA served as the platform which enabled me to have everlasting friendships and memories. From my first experiences like choosing my classes and other introductory conversations, it was evident that if I ever had a question or worry someone at IFSA would be there to help. Not only was this the case before arriving in Ireland, but also throughout the time I was there. Our program leader was amazing and truly made the experience for a lot of my friends and I. She was extremely hard working and was dedicated to her job, which was to ensure we were safe, well off, and enjoying our stay. She created an environment where we all felt safe to be ourselves and absorb in the new culture and fun things the city had to offer. I was introduced to brand new people and a brand new city, and while it was a little intimidating at first, I am grateful for every minute of it. I was able to experience what a big university in an urban setting felt like. The complete opposite of what my home school is. This is just one of the many cases where I was exposed to the other side of the spectrum. For three months I was able to live a different life and with that I learned so much about myself. It was a time for me to reflect and realize who I truly was in this new environment. I learned that I am stronger than I know, and capable of amazing things. In addition to this independence, I learned little things like how keep a schedule and stay organized, especially if you are in three different countries in a course of a week. This new environment created so many memories and friendships that I will cherish forever.

I truly could not put into words how much I enjoyed my experience. My experience exceeded every single one of my expectations. IFSA was the perfect bridge for me between me and University College Dublin along with a connection in Ireland. As someone who was a little nervous to be in a foreign country for a whole semester without anyone I knew, the IFSA events, orientation, and staff on site always made me feel comfortable, and it helped me so much to know there were people there for me at all times. It was extremely nice to have someone explain how the education system differs in Ireland from what I was used to and also someone to guide me through each part of my experience in order to have the best experience possible. The IFSA staff were also incredibly helpful both before and after my time abroad. When preparing, all of my emails were answered within hours I sent them, and the advisors even got syllabi from UCD that I asked for. When returning, IFSA gave a lot of materials to cope with reverse culture shock and kept up with me as an outlet to share about my experience. All in all, I would recommend IFSA to anyone looking to study abroad and am forever grateful to them for contributing to an experience that I will treasure my whole life.

IFSA provided me a study abroad experience that I will never forget. Going abroad is a humongous decision and commitment. Many people could feel anxious, excited, nervous, and even a little scared. I certainly felt all of these before my trip. However, from the first day that I landed in Dublin, I knew that I had an amazing support system with IFSA. They had their own orientation with the purpose of getting us acclimated and ready to call Ireland home for the next few months. Many of my friends who studied in different places did not have this and found the transition quite hard in the first couple of weeks. Also, they sponsored two trips to surrounding areas of Ireland where we were able to experience and immerse ourselves in the distinct Irish culture. Studying abroad is an amazing, and I am super grateful for IFSA as they provided me the platform to meet new friends and get to know Ireland.

I used to chuckle when people said: "Study abroad changed my life!" I don't think that the actual 'study abroad' changed my life, but the people I met and the ways that I grew both personally and academically changed who I am today. I am eternally grateful to the program advisors and friends I made while I was abroad. Going to live in a different country is scary and weird and exciting, and IFSA gave me all of the support that I needed to make it through the semester.

Studying abroad with the Institute for Study Abroad at the University College Dublin was one of the best experiences of my life so far! I had the opportunity to attend classes with Irish professors and students, I had the freedom to travel all over Europe on the weekends, and I had the opportunity to take advantage of the Irish culture and nightlife right in Dublin. What I will remember the most, however, are the friends I made through the program. Both the advisors and my fellow college students made Dublin feel like home. They made the experience so enjoyable that it was difficult to go home at the end of the semester. For any undergraduate looking for a study abroad program, I wholeheartedly recommend IFSA. You will not regret it!

I wasn’t used to the academic system, and that’s definitely something I should have thought more about, because I ended up stressing out about it a lot. But being in Dublin, and even Ireland in general was the best experience I could have ever asked for. There was never a shortage of things to do, places to explore, and friendly people to meet, and I’m just counting the days until I can come back

I had never left the US before I went to go study abroad and I was excited but worried about what it would be like being an American abroad. But I quickly realized that I couldn’t have been in a better place because I truly found Irishmen to be the nicest people and the IFSA Staff was as well. It’s a very independent experience with great people to welcome you to a new country.

I am so so glad I went abroad with IFSA-Butler. They made the experience just that much better and easier for me and my family. There pre-arrival toolkit and instructions were so helpful and straightforward that it really helped ease the anxiety I and my parents felt about me going to live in another country. Unfortunately, I was sick when I actually got to Ireland and was really missing home, but I really credit the IFSA on-site staff (Ruth in particular) for convincing me to stay-and I'm so glad I did! My favorite parts of the program were the staff themselves and the trips that we got to take to Northern Ireland and Kilkenny. The IFSA on-site staff team was beyond amazing. Like I said, I wouldn't have even had a semester abroad without Ruth and they continued to support me throughout my time abroad in any way they could. I particularly liked how open they were about the office-we were welcome to stop in anytime to just hang out, do work, or have a cup of tea and snacks, and I really appreciated that open offer. The trips we took were also a highlight. I loved being able to see new sights and do so on a well planned trip (where I didn't have to plan anything, but still got free time!) and being able to meet other people on IFSA programs throughout Ireland. Overall, I know my abroad experience would not have gone nearly as well (or at all) without IFSA and I am so happy I went with them to end up with a life-changing semester in Ireland.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad at the University College Dublin in Ireland. Everyone I had the pleasure of meeting was so friendly and helpful, especially my advisers both at UCD and through my IFSA program. I always felt like I had somewhere to go for help if I ever needed anything, which was extremely comforting while adjusting to life on my own in a place so far away from home. The activities and events that were planned by the IFSA program were also a lot of fun, and they made it so easy to explore new parts of the country that I may not have considered going to otherwise. The campus community at UCD was also excellent, and I was even able to join the swim team and a number of different clubs while I was there. The academics were great, as well, and there were many different options for classes in just about any subject area. I even had the opportunity to work directly with a professor of ecology and one of her graduate students to design my own independent research project that included both scientific field and lab work. Overall, I truly felt like I was immersed in the Irish culture while I was there, which was one of my main goals for my study abroad experience. Between travelling across the country, exploring other places in Europe, or just simply hanging out with the friends I made through the swim team, clubs, and classes, my time abroad allowed me to grow and learn in so many valuable ways. I am extremely grateful for the incredible opportunity I had to study abroad in Dublin, and I would recommend both the IFSA program and the University College Dublin to anyone considering studying abroad in Ireland!

My entire experience in Ireland was amazing and that really had a lot to do with IFSA-Butler. They provide you with the perfect amount of assistance throughout the semester. They are able to successfully provide for their students without getting in the way of their cultural immersion. A lot of the opportunities I had were available to me for a large part because of IFSA. Whether it was learning how to play hurling or taking a pub crawl through the city, the staff was vital for my experience. The only thing you need to consider is which of their amazing offerings is best for you.

I had an absolutely incredible time at UCD. My education was rigorous, but manageable, I loved the C&C program that IFSA offered, and IFSA staff were wonderful. I wouldn't change a thing about my experience, and I am excited to go back to Ireland for graduate school.

IFSA-Ireland was amazing. They made me feel so welcomed, with their airport welcome and open door policy throughout the year. If you had academic or personal problem they were there to help. I would do the program all over again.