The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Ireland
If you dream of living and learning in one of 贰耻谤辞辫别鈥檚 most youthful cities, consider taking your studies to Ireland, a small country that promises larger-than-life memories. Here, a welcoming culture, picturesque countryside, and renowned historical sites beckon you.
尝别迟鈥檚 unpack why Ireland is a wonderful place to study abroad!
Why Study Abroad in Ireland
This charming country is like a dream: rolling green hills, scenic coastlines, fairytale towns, alluring castles, staggering cliffs, age-old pubs. You definitely want in on this magic.
In addition to its remarkable beauty and vibrant culture, here are a few other reasons why studying abroad in Ireland will be an experience like no other:
Reason #1: 驰辞耻鈥re sure to fall in love with Ireland鈥檚 natural landscapes.
The luscious green Emerald Isle is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. When studying abroad in Ireland, make sure to check out some (or all!) of its incredible natural wonders:
- Cliffs of Moher: Stretching eight miles along the Atlantic Coast near the town of Dongal, these 700-foot giants are a must-see
- The Ring of Gullion: Officially designated as an 鈥淎rea of Outstanding Natural Beauty,鈥 this unique geological formation dates back more than 60 million years
- The Burren: More than 100 square miles of bedrock landscape that fascinatingly often serves as an archaeological site
- Slieve League: Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, this natural attraction features trails and has a special pilgrimage history in Ireland
- Croagh Patrick: A sacred mountain devoted to patron Saint Patrick, towering 2,500 feet in the western part of the country
- Giant鈥檚 Causeway: The sight of a volcanic eruption along the Irish coast created this intriguing
- Carrantouhill: The tallest mountain in Ireland; hiking these peaks and corries is an adventurer鈥檚 dream
And that鈥檚 just a select few of our favorites! 驰辞耻鈥檒l never run out of things to do outdoors during a study abroad program in Ireland.
Reason #2: 驰辞耻鈥檒l receive a one-of-a-kind Irish history lesson.
Ireland鈥檚 rich history is felt throughout its many centuries-old castles, pubs, burial grounds, jails, libraries, and even courthouses.
With CIEE, you鈥檒l have the chance to explore these significant historical monuments, museums, and galleries, while learning about some of the world鈥檚 most famous minds born and raised in Ireland, including authors like Bernard Shaw, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, C.S. Lewis, and William Butler Yates.
The Irish language (sometimes referred to as Gaeilge) is considered one of the world鈥檚 oldest written languages and was first discovered in the fourth century AD. It鈥檚 no surprise that some of the world鈥檚 most influential authors come from here!
Reason #3: 驰辞耻鈥檒l discover Ireland鈥檚 unique heritage and traditions.
Irish culture is, frankly, magical. Some highlights include folklore, literature, music, and dance. Ireland鈥檚 global impact on fantasy and myth is significant: there likely wouldn鈥檛 be Halloween, costume parties, or leprechauns and their pots of gold without Irish folklore. Life would be much less fun without these festive favorites!
And, of course, musical festivals and dance are staples of Irish tradition and heavily influence Ireland鈥檚 pleasant pub culture and entertainment.
Reason #4: 驰辞耻鈥檒l study with a diverse student population.
Since the mid-2000s, Ireland鈥檚 capital, Dublin, has significantly grown into a multi-ethnic metropolis. The city has received an influx of people from China, Nigeria, and immigrants from throughout the European Union. In fact, Dublin has seen its foreign-born population rise to 17.3%! Clearly, this country is catching on.
And it鈥檚 not just Dublin-lovin鈥 expats and immigrants. Right now, Study abroad in Ireland and you will fit right in among the foreign-born students. Plus, with CIEE, you鈥檒l be studying at prestigious institutions like Dublin City University or University College Dublin, alongside a diverse group of students, enhancing your global perspective and understanding of the world and its many people from all different backgrounds.
Reason #5: You can use Ireland as a starting point for even more international travel.
While we know you鈥檒l be incredibly busy exploring Ireland during your study abroad trip, the country鈥檚 varied travel options and geographical proximity to other countries make it an excellent place to continue your international adventures.
You can jump aboard a ferry and travel to majestic Scotland in just two hours, catch a quick flight or train ride to England, France, Spain, or even fly to the Netherlands or Denmark in a matter of hours.
How to Study Abroad in Ireland
If you鈥檙e ready to start your Irish study abroad adventure, take note of a few steps we鈥檝e outlined below.
Step #1: Map out your journey.
We offer many study abroad programs in Ireland, so find the one that makes most sense for your personal and academic goals. Take into consideration the time of year, length of program, and program focus.
Step #2: Go over your options with an expert.
After you鈥檝e decided on a program, speak with your school鈥檚 study abroad office and academic advisor to make sure your credit and course requirements match your chosen program. Your study abroad office will also provide direct support as you plan your adventure.
And don鈥檛 forget, we鈥檙e always available to help support you, too. Make sure to reach out.
Step #3: Gather the necessary items for travel.
Make sure you have all the necessary items ahead of your travel to Ireland. This includes, visa, passport, your 黑料网911application, and financial documents.
Read More: How to Study Abroad in Europe
How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Ireland?
Now that you have your adventure planned, it鈥檚 best to start thinking about your budget. In addition to our various program types, we also have varied program costs. Most of our available packages range from $6,650-$6,950, while our semester-long program costs about $23,000.
Our fees go a long way and often include tuition, housing, orientation, excursions, travel insurance, and 24/7 emergency on-site support. 驰辞耻鈥檒l want to make sure you account for additional incurred expenses in your budget, like food, extra excursions, gifts, and anything else that you might think you鈥檒l splurge on.
Plus, we offer millions in scholarships and grants each year to make your study abroad dream a reality. Make sure to check what scholarships and grants you鈥檙e eligible for when applying.
Best Place to Study Abroad in Ireland
With CIEE, you鈥檒l be able to dive right into the city of Dublin, which we consider one of the best places to study abroad in Ireland. 黑料网911 half of the city鈥檚 population is younger than 26 and offers a thriving community of artists, musicians, writers, and more while also emerging as a high-tech European hub.
驰辞耻鈥檒l get to experience the old-time charm of this exceptional city while also exploring a dynamic and lively multicultural scene.
All our Ireland programs take place in Dublin as the capital truly has so much to offer. Plus, traveling to other destinations in the country is a breeze through Dublin.
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Dublin
Study Abroad Packing List Ireland
We know you want to run to the Cliffs of Moher right now, but first, take note of some important items to pack before you travel.
奥别鈥檝别 discussed a few essential documents already, but here鈥檚 a more comprehensive list:
- Passport & a photocopy
- Visa & a photocopy
- A second form of valid ID (i.e., driver鈥檚 license or government-issued ID)
- Plane tickets
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of 黑料网911enrollment
Now, onto some more exciting packing essentials when making your way through Ireland:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera to capture Ireland鈥檚 beauty
- Prescription medications covering the length of your stay
- Preferred over-the-counter medications
- Travel adapters to charge items like laptop and phone
- Cash converted to the Euro
Ireland鈥檚 climate is pretty mild year-round with winter temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 46 degrees and summers ranging from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees. Make sure to pack clothes accordingly!
Read More: What to Pack When Studying Abroad in Europe
Get on Your Way
Studying abroad in Ireland guarantees an exciting experience packed with history, culture, beauty, and diversity. And we鈥檙e here to help make it a reality! In no time, you鈥檒l be feeling the luck of the Irish!
Ready to take the next step?
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