Gaelic Football is an Experience, Y'All

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.