Study Abroad Programs in Dublin, Ireland

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

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!

The program with CIEE in Dublin, Ireland is straightforward and the resources are helpful. The day trips were a lot of fun, the class was engaging, and the price is reasonable, especially for out of state students.

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.

I never felt unsafe while alone in a different country because of CIEE staff. If anything were ever unsafe, like a violent protest a few weeks ago, we were immediately notified and kept updated as needed.

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.

I never believed it would be possible to study abroad this early in my college career and I don't think it would have been possible if not for a program like CIEE. This being my first time traveling internationally and alone, CIEE provided me with the resources to establish myself in a new country while helping me learn to push my personal boundaries and be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Traveling to Buenos Aires was an incredible experience! I was nervous initially since it was my first study-abroad experience. I was unfamiliar with the culture, environment, and language and did not know what to expect. The warm hospitality and generosity I received from on-site program staff and locals guided me through all the ups and downs of the experience. The program challenged me to come out of my comfort zone both academically and socially. We attended physics classes at a local university and a sports and contemporary culture class right after. We learned about the history of the country and experienced the Argentinians' passion for futbol firsthand by attending games. My friends and I explored the city after classes, trying out some of the many cafes and restaurants on every corner. Buenos Aires had a very reliable transportation system as well, so it was easy for us to travel from our apartment in Palermo to other neighborhoods in the city like Belgrano, La Boca, and Recoleta. Each neighborhood had something different and wonderful to offer. We often ran into cultural fairs, art festivals, fresh farmer markets, and live performances. There was something fun to discover every day. On the weekends, we traveled outside of the city to see the numerous natural landscapes in Argentina. We saw the falls at Iguazu, went horseback riding in Mendoza, went hiking at the Perito Moreno Glacier and El Chalten, and even visited a cute portside town in Uruguay. Although my time in Argentina was short, the incredible people, food, and music are a memory I will never forget.

The experience was absolutely life-changing. I feel like an entirely different person than I was two months ago. I feel much more independent and appreciative of myself and those around me. Not only would I recommend it because of the personal growth I experienced, I would also recommend it because of the people. The CIEE staff on program, including the FDDO-specific staff, were super kind and helpful. Beyond that, the people I met on program are some of the most kind, thoughtful, and fun human beings I have ever met, and I am proud to be able to call them my friends.

I would definitely recommend CIEE Study Abroad to my peers because it allowed me to travel and learn within a very different environment without the worry of finances preventing this experience. Through the Frederick Douglass O'Connell Global Internship, I have been able to expand my skills and knowledge within Sociology and research by studying how Irish Society operates and also critically analyzing policies and the application of data in order to critique and improve it. I have also been able to explore a culture that is vastly different from my own, forcing me to adapt and be comfortable with new traditions and customs. I believe that I am a better version of myself due to CIEE and everything I have been blessed to experience within the program. I am more confident, knowledgeable, open-minded, humble, and worldly thanks to CIEE and especially the Frederick Douglass O’Connell Global Internship.

Truly changed my perspective on the world of engineering and potential career path in a world I never would have thought possible. Broaden my world view and met truly amazing people that I connected with for a lifetime.

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 time in Dublin with ISA was probably the best three months of my life. I studied music, history, and the Irish language at Maynooth University just outside Dublin. The university was amazing with wonderful professors, lots of fun social events, and great programs and resources. I also loved the town of Maynooth: it has a great social scene, it's very clean, and I felt very safe there. The proximity to Dublin is also great because of the city itself, but also because of the access to public transportation.

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.