CIEE College Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

I decided to go to Ireland for block I and it was a great experience. The CIEE staff were super helpful and very responsive throughout my time there. The excursions that we went on really delve into the history of Ireland, which I loved, and some were just fun and gave all of us on the program time to hangout together. Ireland was beautiful and everyone was so nice, I wish I had more time to spend here. I traveled quite a bit with a few other students in the program and it was great. The public transport here makes it really easy to get around once you get the hang of it. FYI you have to hail the busses here, in the US you normally don’t have to, but here you do.

Being able to study abroad was the most fantastic decision I could have made. The program assisted in making this a smooth transition. The program coordinators helped me with handling doctors' visits, and they were very accommodating while I was dealing with the death of my father. This program introduced me to new friends, cultures, and beautiful experiences! This is an experience that all college students should take advantage of. It is such a great way to curate new memories, travel, and make friends!

CIEE in Dublin, Ireland was better than I could have ever imagined. Through this program, I met wonderful staff members and peers. Using CIEE for my study abroad experience allowed me to ask questions when needed, feel supported, and meet others while traveling. There is nothing more I could have asked for from CIEE. Enda was accommodating and helpful and so knowledgeable about the surrounding areas and universities. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world and the least I can do is leave a glowing review. Incredible experience!

Studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland for J-Term was the most amazing experience. I chose to study here because it is a huge technology hub and the possibility of moving here someday. During my time abroad, I met lifelong friends and made unforgettable memories. The locals there were the friendliest and funniest people. The housing was impressive with a private room and bathroom - and it was very clean. The coursework wasn't too much and the excursions were eye opening. The CIEE program was very well organized and the center director, Enda O'Connell, was helpful and always there for the students. I wish I could redo it all over again!

Spending my time abroad has been a dream of mine ever since starting college. Due to certain circumstances, I was not able to go during any school semester, but stumbled upon this opportunity from CIEE to spend my summer in Dublin, Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 months there to really be immersed in a different culture and learn more about myself and the people around me. It was for sure one of the best summers that I will never forget. From all the people I met, places I visited, and memories I made.

This trip was great craic (an Irish slang term for fun)! Not only did we get to become a part of the beautiful city of Dublin, but we also as a group got to take a secondary trip to Ireland's medieval capital of Kilkenny, which was probably my favorite part! Kilkenny was just a super cool little town, with a beautiful castle and incredible nightlife. While in Dublin, I was studying the Shaping of Modern Ireland, which was a history class outlining Ireland from 1800 up through 1949. Dublin City University was a nice school that was just far enough outside of the city center, and I had a great professor who cared deeply about the topic and made sure that the class was understanding him. This class was great for me, as I finally got to learn the history of my Irish ancestors and about the land that they came from. Outside of the classroom, Dublin was an incredible city to call home for a month. The beautiful churches were probably my favorite thing to explore. That and the pubs of course! I cannot recommend this study abroad experience enough; if you have any desire to learn anything about Ireland, you have to do it!
For me, one of the reasons this trip was so great was that I really was able to get in touch with my Irish roots; I got to visit the same churches my ancestors went to, I learned about their experiences and how they lived back then, and I was able to explore the city that they called home! I feel that it also really helped with my world outlook, because although Ireland is very similar to the United States, it is simultaneously completely different. It was super convenient for me that there was no language barrier to overcome here, but there were still a few cultural differences, which I found to be more fun than annoying.
While here, I would highly recommend trying to take in as much of the local culture as possible, especially the sports! Before coming here, I had no clue what Hurling or Gaelic Football were, but I can say that going to those matches were some of the most fun that I had while on this trip!
As I stated earlier, I cannot recommend this trip enough! Dublin is a fantastic city, and I cannot wait to come back in the future!

I absolutely loved this program! The program coordinators were lovely and provided support to their students. The program was amazing! I spent a year there, and it really did change how I look at the world. This coming from a former high school exchange student no less. It also helped me figure out what to do after I graduate. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a great program without the added stress of learning a brand new language.

Let me preface this with: I love Ireland. This review is 100% biased because, I am, totally, unequivocally, in love with the Emerald Isle.

I am also not a person who took the decision to study abroad lightly. As a disabled, solo-traveler, I needed a program that was both accommodating and allowed students their independence. CIEE Dublin was the perfect fit, whenever I needed a program director (love ya, Martin & Meriah!) they were always accessible. I planned solo trips out of the country, and there was no overbearing mothering. The balance was careful and considerate, and I had a truly amazing summer because of it.

The social scene on the program was amazing during my session, everyone was super friendly and we all planned outings (like weekend trips to the Cliffs of Moher) together. I will say, I am, personally, a fan of trying to make friends with "natives" (that feels weird to say...), but the other students on my program were pretty great (not as clique-y as I was expecting, honestly!) and so was the professor! Everyone became like a family for those 4 weeks, and will probably make any future study abroad programs feel lackluster.

Overall, if you want a program where you can be sure you aren't completely navigating academia in a foreign country alone, but want to have real independence, you should seriously consider this program. Oh, and um, make sure you have a steady supply of American Tylenol before going to Dicey's.