English Study Abroad Programs in Dublin, Ireland

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

Studying abroad was one of the scariest and most fulfilling things I could have done during my undergraduate experience. I was a commuter student in my undergraduate program, and was not used to the independence offered to me during this program. I had the time of my life. As a Trinity student, we were given a co-living apartment about a 20 minutes walk from Trinity, right in the center of the Dublin. My apartment also offered a beautiful view of the Wicklow mountains. Trinity was an amazing school to attend, and the academics were challenging, and the classmates were interesting. I took a couple of courses that would not be offered at my home university, and I had a lot of fun. It was so cool being able to attend such a historical school, and attend its events, such as Trinity Ball. In addition to attending a school with a beautiful campus, our resident directors planned spectacular trips around Ireland as well! I felt that I saw most of the country in my four months there. We did a variety of activities and it was fun to experience with other Americans. I learned a lot about the Irish culture and history. Dublin is also a central location in Europe, and my roommates and I were able to take a couple of trips around the continent. Flights within in Europe are so cheap and you are not necessarily restricted to the country you are studying in. I saw so many sights and met a lot of different people through my travels. I will forever be thankful that I decided to study abroad. I still talk to my study abroad roommates and have visited them around the United States after our program has ended. I've also ended up back in Ireland in a graduate program at UCD because I loved it here so much. My program with API was definitely part of my journey to end up here, and I would recommend studying abroad to anyone who is thinking about it (I definitely recommend Ireland, but I'm not biased).

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

In the Spring of 2024, I had the opportunity to study in Dublin, Ireland with IES Abroad's Dublin Writers Program. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I was back. Those four months were incredibly impactful academically, creatively, and personally. Studying abroad taught me independence, to trust myself. It gave me the freedom to explore and encounter the world on my own terms. When I boarded the plane in January, I had no idea what to expect. I'd never traveled alone, never hailed a taxi, never lived in a big city. But the Irish are so incredibly kind and welcoming. Strangely, I never once felt out of place. Ireland was always home to me even before I touched the ground. I will always remember the shock I felt when I saw daffodils decorating the city. Somehow, those flowers symbolized the life and beauty I would experience in Dublin. As for my professors, they were some of the kindest individuals I have met. All were clearly invested in our learning but equally as invested in our time abroad. Rather than simply being a course of study or the sole focus being placed on our time abroad, the two were equally married. Academic standards were high but the materials were meant to immerse us further in Irish history, culture, and literature. Through these classes, I gained a further sense of place. I will forever think fondly of discussing literature over tea, delving into Celtic mythology, and connecting the buildings I walked past every day to the history they stood through. I will forever cherish memories of riding the DART to the seaside, exploring markets, bookstore hopping, going to services in St. Patrick's Cathedral, walking the streets, and simply taking Dublin in. Walking the city, it became mine. I've never felt so intimately connected to a place.

Going abroad was a spontaneous, circumstantial decision for me rather than a well-thought out plan. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I stumbled upon this program after consulting with an advisor at the International Programs Office at my school in late October. I knew I wanted to go to Ireland or Italy, and this was the only program left available due to the timing of my decision to go abroad. Little did I know that Maynooth, Ireland would hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life! Maynooth is a gorgeous college town situated on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. Dublin Center is easily accessible by bus or train. It is Ireland's only college town, with an active student body and a wide array of things to do. Many of the students I met and became close with were other students studying abroad (Erasmus students), from various states in the U.S. and even from countries across Europe! The Erasmus student population is what made the experience for me personally, although there were many friendly locals I met as well. Grab a pint of Guinness at the Roost, go for a hike with alpacas in the Irish countryside, or explore all that Dublin Center has to offer. Ireland has no shortage of beautiful landscapes and interesting people, and I highly recommend spending your semester abroad in this truly wonderful country. API offers excursions to all of the must-see places in Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, the Blarney Stone, and more. They were extremely accommodating and highly proactive in ensuring that all of my needs were met before I studied abroad. I highly recommend spending your semester abroad with API.

Participating in the AIFS Abroad program was truly an ideal way to experience studying overseas. From start to finish, every step was made incredibly easy thanks to the clear layout and step-by-step guidance provided. Many of my initial anxieties about going abroad were alleviated because I had consistent support throughout the entire process—from applying to arriving in Ireland, and even when it was time to return home. It was comforting to know that help was always available. The people of Ireland were wonderful—warm, welcoming, and eager to share their rich culture with us. I will never forget the amazing food, especially the spice bags, which I still dream about. The entire experience is something I would never trade for the world. I genuinely believe that everyone should seize the opportunity to go abroad at least once in their life, and Ireland through AIFS is a fantastic choice. The breathtaking landscapes, combined with the ease of navigating public transportation, made exploring the country a joy. Every day presented new opportunities to meet incredible people and immerse myself in unforgettable experiences. AIFS Abroad in Ireland offers an enriching adventure that leaves a lasting impact. Ireland’s vibrant atmosphere is one of its standout features, with live music filling pubs and streets every night, creating a lively cultural scene that’s perfect for students looking to immerse themselves in local life. The accessibility to culture goes beyond just music, as many of Ireland’s museums offer free entry, providing countless opportunities to explore the country’s rich history and heritage. Dublin City University (DCU) is ideally located to take advantage of all these experiences. Situated close to the heart of Dublin, the university allows students easy access to the vibrant city life, while also being just a bus ride away from the peaceful countryside, stunning beaches, or even a quick train journey to explore other parts of Ireland. This blend of urban and rural access offers students the best of both worlds. Academically, DCU stands out with its strong educational standards. The professors are passionate about their subjects and deeply invested in their students' success, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. With reasonable class sizes, students benefit from a more personalized education experience, similar to what they might find in the United States, ensuring a smooth academic transition for international students. One of the highlights of the AIFS program at Dublin City University is the class trips and excursions. These trips, led by a dedicated advisor who is always available for support, provide an incredible opportunity to explore Ireland beyond the classroom. The advisor organizes weekend trips to iconic destinations like Galway and Cork, giving students the chance to experience the diverse beauty of the country. In addition to these trips, the program offers a range of group activities, such as dinners, visits to sporting events, tours of Irish farms, and even a unique tea bus experience. These excursions not only allow students to immerse themselves in Irish culture but also help build strong bonds with fellow students, creating lasting memories of the time spent abroad.

This past summer I traveled to Dublin, Ireland with CEA CAPA. I had an overall wonderful experience and found the staff both pre departure and within my host country to be very helpful. They were quick with responses and assisting in any worries that I might have had. While there, we had two CEA CAPA planned trips that were very fun and a good chance to explore the country. I met so many wonderful people on the trip too. Over all my experience was really great!

My j-term in Dublin was one of my favorite experiences in life thus far. Before going I had never flown out of the US, and never alone. I felt unprepared going into my flight as I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into. I felt like AIFS did not do a great job communicating, as myself and several other students felt unprepared and confused. We were given incorrect papers several times, and the syllabus was wrong. HOWEVER after everything was settled and we finally made it to our housing I had a wonderful time. Dublin is beautiful, and I felt like we were shown that. I made great friends and have nothing but fond memories.

I had a wonderful opportunity this Fall to do a Study + Intern program in Dublin. Living at Dublin City University, Dublin was an incredible city to explore with so much character and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. The program included multiple excursions, such as a day trip to Cork. In addition, Dublin was an amazing launchpad to explore a large portion of Western Europe. I will always cherish this unique opportunity to spend a semester in Ireland.

I was hesitant to study abroad for the first time and CIS Abroad exceeded my expectations. CIS Abroad is there to make all steps in your study abroad journey as seamless as possible. The application process is simple and straightforward, and if you have any questions they are always there to help and respond quickly. During the pre-departure meetings, and onsite orientation I knew that I was going to be okay, and this was going to be a journey I would never forget. Arriving in Florence with CIS Abroad, they truly made you feel at home, and the onsite directors were so friendly towards all of us. Without CIS Abroad there to help, my journey would not been of amazing as it was.

Studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan for a month was the most amazing time of my life. I was quite anxious to go to Japan especially since it was going to be my first time leaving the US and flying by myself, however, I received incredible and immense support from the on-site program directors. Being immersed in Japanese culture through program activities like kimono wearing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and just interacting with locals overall was wonderful. I was able to make friendships with some Japanese students which was so nice because they showed me beautiful places and foods to try. Not only did I make become friends with Japanese students, I also became close with the other study abroad students so I often went out to explore and have tons of fun with them everyday. Waking up everyday in Japan brought so much excitement because there is so much to see and do so I NEVER felt bored. As for Seisen University, the campus I attended in Tokyo, was beautiful and quiet. It was only a short train ride and walk away from my accommodation, so maybe a 20 minute commute. However, it is on a hill so it was quite a workout to walk to campus from the train station especially with the really hot and humid weather during the summer months. Then, the teachers were great! They were really interactive, entertaining, and passionate about what they were teaching. Since it was a summer program that only lasted a month, the courses were very fast paced especially the Japanese language courses. Also, the Japanese students were super friendly and kind and I always enjoyed talking to them and eating lunch with them. It was truly fascinating learning from them and I learning from them about our lives. Overall, I definitely recommend studying abroad with Cis abroad and choosing one of their Japan programs. It was a decision that I was highly doubting before I went but after experiencing it, I have no regrets at all and am very grateful for it. It is an opportunity that I wish everyone to experience.

My four months abroad had such a strong impact on me academically and personally in ways that I had never expected. I owe all of the wonderful experiences that I had in Ireland to IES Abroad and all of the Dublin staff that supported my journey. When I arrived at the Dublin airport, I was unsure how the semester would go but it was the taxi driver that soothed all my concerns and confirmed my choice in coming to Ireland. It was easy to see just how special Ireland was from the way the taxi driver spoke of it and I later would learn just how incredible the people were too. IES made it possible for me to really get to know and experience my life abroad with the people in my program from scheduled program trips to living in the same building. The friendships I made with my peers are ones I will cherish forever from grabbing snacks at the convenience store in-between classes to going on DART rides to coastal towns on the weekend. Then, there are the professors and all I can say is these are some of the most genuine and encouraging instructors I have ever had. In the writer's program, I did take a fiction writing class which was new for me but throughout the process, I felt so empowered as a writer because I was believed in. It isn't only the support in your academics, but the little things that go beyond that, for example, in my short stories class our professor made us tea every class period with a new Irish treat. I think about my experience all of the time and I couldn't be more thankful for all that IES Abroad has done for me, it was truly an experience of a lifetime.

I studied abroad in Dublin with IES in the Spring of 2022 and had an incredible experience! Ireland itself is a great place to study as it is full of rich history and beautiful sights with plenty of things to do. With this, going abroad with IES really enriched my experience. From pre-departure on, I felt incredibly supported by the staff at all points. Any issue I had was able to be addressed quickly and effectively leading to a great experience overall. The professors were all extremely knowledgable and I thoroughly enjoyed all of my courses and came away with great knowledge from each one. At no point did I feel unsafe or unsupported; in fact, everyone in the program was more than willing to help in any way, whether that was an academic issue I was having or if I needed recommendations on where to take a day trip to. I truly cannot recommend this program highly enough as I had the most incredible experience through them.

My semester in Dublin was definitely the most memorable of my time in college. From before we arrived to the day we left, IES kept in regular contact with us to make sure that everything was going well. They gave us an orientation with plenty of practical advice that you might not think of yourself, and they sent out information and suggestions for things to do throughout the semester. We had a couple of group outings and trips led by IES, and plenty of opportunities to travel within the country and all across Europe on our own. The Trinity campus is beautiful (I was drawn to the program from seeing photos of the Old Library!) and right in city centre so you're constantly exposed to local culture; I often found myself stopping at some shops on the way home to get a hot chocolate or fries with garlic sauce (they're the best). The apartment we stayed in was very nice and modern with plenty of space, privacy, and common areas to socialize. It was pretty close to campus, all things considered, only a short walk or shorter tram ride away. My roommates and I were all strangers when we arrived but quickly became friends were watching movies, cooking, and traveling together in no time! Almost everyone in all of the IES Dublin programs lived in the same building, so we made a group chat and had a big extended group of friends to go out with. The actual classes at Trinity are a lot different in much of Europe than they are in somewhere like the United States. Instead of multiple shorter classes a day on alternating days like at my home school, I had two one-hour sessions or one two-hour session of each class a week. Depending on the class (I took English modules), grades are also based significantly or even 100% on the final exam. This was definitely an adjustment in the sense that I did feel a bit less engaged with school overall, since it was less in-class time and fewer assignments throughout the semester and it could sometimes be easy to push classwork off; then, when finals came, it was a lot of work all at once. This has pros and cons, mainly that you have more free time but need to have significant self-discipline. You just have to make sure to keep up with your work, though, since more of the responsibility is on you alone; you have to really care about your studies because they are important to you rather than because someone is making you. This is a very good thing to learn, though, since a lot of other things in life require self-motivation and accountability. This more open schedule was a great way to have things structured during study abroad, though, because it left a LOT of time to explore locally and travel on long weekends! I definitely recommend joining a couple of clubs to truly feel connected to campus; they have a lot of fun events both on campus and at local venues. Studying in Dublin was not only fun for a short time, but allowed me to realize how much I really want to live abroad long-term. You also learn so many things living in a new culture and how to adapt to them. Public transport is really convenient within the city, and trains are great for traveling across the country. You have to ask for the check at a restaurant, but tax is all included so the total is nice and even and easy to add up in your head. Even going to the grocery store at first is a whole experience on its own—a lot more people bring their own bags (which is great!), some "staple" foods are a bit different, and Irish dairy has a totally different taste. And when you finally leave, you feel a bit homesick in reverse, because what you consider "home" has been split into more pieces. It's like you always have somewhere else in the world, in the back of your mind, to go back to and still feel familiar and comfortable in. Overall, my semester abroad in Dublin with IES really bridged that gap of apprehension between the expected and the unknown, and it helped prepare me to travel and live abroad once I graduate.

I had the best time abroad last semester! Not only was it full of wonderful experiences, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made as a college student. From the friends that I made to the relationships with my professors, as well as, being immersed into the culture of Ireland every day, my experience was more than what I thought it would be. The process of getting to Ireland was very easy, thanks to the best program advisors and professors. I always felt safe wherever I went and was given plenty of contacts in case of an emergency. My living situation was great and there never was a problem in that part of being abroad. Though there were a few times I felt a little homesick, due to the culture shock and being so far away, Ireland became my second home very fast which of course made the whole experience ten times better! I would highly recommend studying with IES Abroad. Being a part of the Writer's Program, though my program was particularly small in size, especially due to Covid-19, I still made other friends outside my program and was given many opportunities to explore more places each week. This experience not only changed me as a traveler and student but also as a person. I made so many amazing memories and gained confidence in myself while being abroad. I cannot thank IES Abroad enough for giving me this opportunity to study at the Writer's Program in Dublin, Ireland. This will never be forgotten and I cannot wait to share my experience with other students!

CIEE Study Abroad has honestly changed my life. It has allowed me to learn so much about myself, the United States, and the world. I wish all my friends could have the opportunity to study abroad with CIEE.

The School for International Studies through CIS abroad was the most perfect program for me. The program is three months long which is a little shorter than most programs however it is great for someone who is on trimesters, is nervous about getting homesick, or like myself- wants to travel for a while before their summer job starts. The academic coursework was challenging in a way that was incredibly rewarding. The professors don't give you hours of studying and homework to do because they understand that you are there to travel just as much as you are to take classes. I took several classes on the history of Spain and Barcelona and I learned more than I have from any professor or school because after learning about things like Gaudi's style of architecture we went out into the city and got a first hand experience by seeing things like casa batllo. My professors were so engaging, entertaining, and helpful, I still keep in contact with many of them today. They helped me to learn the rich and diverse history and context of the city I was living in. The CIS staff on sight at SIS was incredibly helpful in getting students involved in the Catalan culture and making us feel comfortable. It can be frustrating trying to get a hold of them before you go abroad for questions but as soon as you step foot in Barcelona the staff is ready to help out any time of the day. Whether it is a safety concern, you are sick and don't know where to go, or you are struggling in your classes the staff at CIS can help put you on the right track. The trips and activities (which are included in the cost of your tuition) are absolutely amazing and everything is paid for. My semester we went on two overnight trips, Sevilla and Zaragoza, where the food, accommodations, and planned activities were all paid for. We also went to the Dali museum, took a cooking class, and went out to dinner with our CIS mentor- all completely paid for by the initial cost of your program. This was absolutely amazing, especially for someone who wanted to experience Spain on a tight budget. As far as housing, I stayed in a shared room/ shared apartment with American students from other programs. This gave me the opportunity to get to know people outside of just the school I was studying at. The apartment I stayed in was in an amazing location and we had everything we needed (washing machine, dishes, bedding, towels). Our apartment was very close to a metro stop however most days I walked about 15 minutes to class to get to know my way around the city better. The CIS on site coordinators were available 24/7 through a cell phone in case of any emergency. I never felt unsafe in my apartment or walking around the city. I also purchased the international health insurance both through my home university and through CIS. I never thought I would need it but when I got sick while traveling outside of Spain, I was happy that I had insurance. The appointments, tests, and medication I received were completely free of charge and I visited a private travelers clinic where they spoke english and I had absolutely no wait time. Overall I think the CIS School for International Studies program in Barcelona is amazing for anyone who wants to travel a ton and get the most out of what you pay for. The only suggestion I would make is that about 2-3 times throughout the semester we had class on Friday. I had wished that our overnight trips were on the weeks where we had class on Friday because it was kind of difficult to travel out of the country on those weekends with Friday class. I ended up staying in Barcelona those weekends though which was a great decision so that I could take some time to get to know the city I was staying in and experience the weekend night life in Barna.

Costa Rica was truly the experience of a lifetime for me. As someone who is an environmental science major, this country spoke so near and dear to my heart as they are very environmentally oriented overall and really are striving to keep their forests thriving. I had the sweetest host mom, an absolutely amazing site director, great university staff and I made some of the greatest friends on my trip, not to mention the vast number of breathtaking places I got to visit during my summer in Costa Rica. I have gained such an appreciation for the Spanish language and can speak more now than I ever could before! And I truly fell in love with the Costa Rican culture - Pura Vida!

I studied abroad In Dublin, Ireland, with CAPA, and it was the experience of a lifetime. I went for my spring semester of 2020, so my experience was cut short; however, I did get to go for about 50 days. To start, the people at CAPA were so helpful before and while I was there. Any questions you have, they can answer, which helped relieve my stress. CAPA is a great company that wants to make the transition as easy as possible. The city is absolutely beautiful, and it is easy to get around! Dublin is filled with history, culture, and amazing people. They have an excellent public transportation system as well, and you can walk everywhere. As a hospitality major, it was fantastic to take classes from a different perspective. I met some of the nicest people while I was there, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!