IFSA-Butler at University College Dublin

  Ireland

• Dublin: 
Dublin

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: September - June

Description: UCD, officially known as University College Dublin National University of Ireland, Dublin, is the largest university in Ireland with over 12,000 students. The university is located on the outside of Dublin's city center. The main campus of Belfield covers 300 acres. An extensive bus system makes it very simple to travel to downtown. Buses leave every few minutes from campus.

Students can study in over 35 departments. Past IFSA-Butler students have taken courses in every department, from history to mathematics. Science students are able to choose from several departments. Students studying for the full year or fall semester also will be able to take introductory courses in Irish studies. This school of study includes courses on Irish history, folklore, and literature.

Because of the size of the university the campus has its own sense of community. In fact, some students rarely go into the downtown area because there is so much to do on campus. There are several pubs on the campus that serve as meeting places.

Highlights: Ireland is divided into four provinces: Ulster, Leinster, Connacht and Munster. These provinces are in turn are divided into 32 counties. Six of Ulster's nine counties make up Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The remaining three counties of Ulster and the other provinces constitute the Republic of Ireland.

Apart from the spectacular beauty of the country and the richness of its history, Ireland is famous for music, art and folklore. This heritage is treasured around the world by the descendents of emigrants and the people among whom they settled. From the end of 19th and into the 20th century, a surge of pride in Irish nationalism yielded some of the world's greatest literary works and contributed heavily to the impetus for Irish independence from Britain. Although most students think of Ireland as a place to undertake courses in Irish studies or liberal arts, curricula in science, engineering and computer science are widely available.

The intellectual traditions of Ireland and her reverence of scholarship date back to medieval times. Schools and monasteries flourished to such an extent that for several centuries they were the centers of learning and religion for all of western Europe. This heritage is reflected today in the academic excellence and prestigious reputation of Ireland's colleges and universities.

The academic year in Ireland runs along roughly the same time frame as the American academic year. It begins in late September and ends in mid- June. Teaching terms usually consist of three ten-week periods separated by two four-week breaks, although some universities have switched over to the semester system.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no