BCA in Derry, Ireland

  Northern Ireland

Derry

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: For centuries, Derry was one of the principal centers of conflict in Ireland, but is now essential to the ongoing Peace Process in Northern Ireland. In 1689, Protestant defenders withstood a 105-day siege by the forces of King James that colored much of Derry's subsequent history up until the advent of the 1997 Good Friday Agreement.

Although Derry is home to 100,000 people, the historic city center has a cozy feeling when you walk the ancient city walls surrounding it. Known as a center for traditional Irish music (and is mentioned in the famous song, "Danny Boy"), Derry's location close to the border with the Irish republic makes it an excellent base from which to explore all of the island of Ireland. View map of Derry.

In the surrounding county, you will find several museums and a dozen historical sites and heritage centers (including a wildlife sanctuary named for Amelia Earhart who landed here in 1932). More about historical sites in Derry.

Derry Quick Facts
-Derry is the fourth largest city in Ireland, and the only one whose ancient walls survive intact. Except for the insertion of three additional gateways in more recent times, they remain little altered from when they were built in 1618.
-Amelia Earhart gave the city a much needed boost when she landed here in 1932 becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. Her connection with the city is reflected in a display at the Amelia Earhart Cottage at Ballyarnett.
-Derry is also the site of the 1972 "Bloody Sunday" massacre when British troops fired on, and killed, unarmed civil rights demonstrators.

Highlights: Off the Beaten Path
-BCA believes in study center sites that are slightly off the beaten path so our students mingle and meet local students and those from other countries, rather than just other Americans.
-For centuries, Derry was at the center of one of the most intractable conflicts in Europe, but it is now essential to the ongoing peace process in Ireland and offers a unique opportunity to understand the consequences of conflict and how peace can be institutionalized.
Renowned Resident Director
Full-time, on-site Resident Director Dr. James Skelly is a Senior Fellow at the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, Coordinator for Peace and Justice Programming for BCA, and also Visiting Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Ulster's Magee College in Derry. The courses he teaches at Magee are all courses that are part of the Peace and Conflict Studies curriculum at Juniata College, and include Globalization & the New Wars; Self, Identity, & Conflict; and, The Global Conversation, which focuses on climate change.

University of Ulster at Magee College
-Magee College hosts INCORE (International Conflict Research), set up with the United Nations University in the early 1990s. INCORE has a number of innovative programs including work on mediation, monitoring and the research effort known as Community Conflict Impact on Children.
-Students can explore peace and justice issues through the many Peace Studies courses at Magee College or take other courses within the Magee curriculum or at other University of Ulster campuses.
-The modest-sized campus, with students numbering around 3,000, is situated on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Foyle River.
BCA Orientation
Get acquainted with the city and Magee College with a mix of cultural, social and academic activities during the first few days of your stay.

Excursions and Activities
Visit the Ulster-American Folk Park, which emphasizes the historic connection between Ulster and various parts of the United States, the Giant's Causeway, and other scenic sites in Ulster and the republic.

Extra Educational Opportunities
Attend BCA's U.S. - European Student Conference on European - U.S. Relations (spring semester only)
-Explore the roots of the conflict that has plagued Ireland for centuries, as well as the Peace Process now underway in Northern Ireland.
-Volunteer or Service learning work is also available to students who are interested.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. There are hundreds of scholarships available. Please be aware of application deadlines as it may be necessary to apply for scholarships well in advance of when you intend to study abroad

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

BCA Study Abroad's Mission Statement: BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students.

Year Founded: 1962