CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Dublin, Ireland

  Ireland

• Dublin: 
Dublin

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 15 weeks: mid-Sept-mid-Dec; Spring 15 weeks: late Jan-late May; Academic Year 30 weeks: mid-Sept-late May

Description: The goal of the Arts and Sciences program is to introduce students to the breadth and depth of Irish culture while enhancing their academic studies through integrated study at Dublin City University. The program offers a core course in Irish culture and society, followed by opportunities to study in a variety of disciplines. The program location, combined with the host institutions expertise, also permits students to intern in a field related to their academic studies.

Academic Program
The Arts and Sciences program at the CIEE Study Center in Dublin is designed for students who are interested in taking courses in their major while also studying about and living in Ireland, and includes an internship option. The program at Dublin City University opened in fall 2005. DCU is an exciting, modern campus, buzzing with life. With over 100 clubs and societies, a very active student union, a student social events calendar overflowing with activities, and a student social center located in the heart of campus, DCU is a great place to study abroad. It is located close to the Dublin city center which is steeped in history and is renowned for its rich social and cultural life.

Academic Culture
At DCU, CIEE students are fully integrated with both Irish and other international students. Learning takes place through a coherent blend of lectures, group seminars, and practical work. Courses, called modules at DCU, are generally offered at the equivalent of 3 U.S. credits each. The tutorial system ensures academic support for all students, and regular student feedback helps to monitor quality. The Irish educational system requires students take greater responsibility for their own learning and use their initiative in an academic environment less structured than that commonly found in the U.S. Students are provided with a syllabus and a broad reading list, but are not told what books to read for each class. Students are expected to show initiative in terms of research and critical analysis.

CIEE students can enroll at DCU for the fall, spring, or academic year. The fall semester runs from the middle of September to the middle of December and the spring semester runs from late January to late May. In general, fall semester CIEE students must take DCU courses which are graded through continuous assessment in order to complete the semester in mid-December.

Many DCU courses are not continuously assessed and have a final exam which takes place in January. Unless you are able to stay for exams, potentially into late January, you will have more limited course options in the fall semester. You will be given complete course information at the time of acceptance which indicates the courses with continuous assessment. If you take a non-continuous assessment course and need to stay until late January, the cost of your housing in a dormitory on or near the DCU campus will be covered. Students living in a home-stay need to leave at the official end of the CIEE program, but can then move to the dorm.

Highlights:

• Wide range of course offerings in a range of fields from business to international relations to communications
  
• Compact, high-tech campus in Dublin, easily accessible to the center of town
  
• Interaction with local and international students in a shared on-campus apartment or in a homestay
  
• In-depth look at Irish culture through a core course and orientation program

University Life
Available to all CIEE students at DCU are a number of societies and clubs catering to every interest. A sampling includes music, adventure appreciation, drama, and dance. Students can join various student societies which promote travel and other group activities. The Global Links Tandem Society partners local students with visiting students. Students also have the opportunity to join various athletic clubs and use the University's state-of-the-art swimming complex. The compact campus lends itself to a community-oriented environment.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

Overall GPA 3.0

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ireland Independently

Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947