Studying in Dublin should be your next move—here’s why & how. ☆ It’s another Monday morning as you make your way to your usual 200 student lecture class. Some faces are beginning to look familiar, but you’re not sure if everyone is just starting to look the same. In fact, everything is starting to look the same! You wonder if a change of scenery would spice things up. Maybe a place with century old cobblestone streets, folks with friendly faces, and a culture built on wildy fun traditions would do the trick. There’s a place with people ready to welcome you into their home. As luck would have it (and these people are very lucky), this one historical city of Ireland awaits you!
Nobody would blame you if you got distracted by the gorgeous views surrounding the city.
Dublin. Céad míle fáilte! This Gaelic phrase literally means a hundred thousand welcomes, and is exactly what you will feel when you choose a Dublin, Ireland study abroad. Dublin hosts many international students, so the local Irish are used to interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s also a city where you can study pretty much anything you want, so the worry of not meeting your school requirements goes out the window. Of course there are many questions that arise when choosing a study abroad program, but the answers all pop up with just a wee bit of research! Here are some popular questions students have before studying abroad in Dublin.
An introduction to studying abroad in Dublin
1. Is it safe to study abroad in Dublin?
Even though Dublin is a large urban city, its position on the crime scale is relatively low. Dublin is high in tourism, which increases chances of pickpocketing in popular areas. The best tip is to just be aware of your surroundings like you would in any major city back home. It’s always a good idea to not travel alone at night, and keep a good watch on your personal items. If you do experience anything that may be of actual threat, know how to contact the police, and also know where to locate the US Embassy. For crises both big and small, an embassy is often the best resource for travelers.
2. Should I study abroad at a Dublin university or through a provider?
This all depends on what you’re wanting to gain from studying abroad in Dublin. Take the time to do your research and read about direct enrollment vs. affiliate study abroad programs in Ireland. Enrolling directly into a university lets you choose exactly what kinds of classes you want to take, and also puts you right into classes with local students. An affiliate program may provide you with more onsite support, which enables you to have help for those tough questions whenever you need it! Know exactly what kind of craic you want to experience?! Then enrolling straight into a local university may be for you! If you don’t feel that bold, but are nonetheless curious, taking advantage of the support you receive from a provider is also a fulfilling option for your Dublin study abroad adventure.
Fresh air, gorgeous greenery. Studying isn't so bad when you're in a beautiful place!
3. What are the best universities for study abroad in Dublin?
- Trinity College Dublin. Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is the oldest and highest-ranked university in all of Ireland. Historical and successful? It’s a win-win! Residing in the heart of Dublin, this school offers tranquility with a homely campus, but access to all the pub crawling nightlife your heart desires. There are over 100 course offerings and plenty of study abroad Dublin programs.
- University College Dublin. UCD is the largest university in Ireland and also holds the highest number of international students. That could be you if you choose a University College Dublin study abroad program! You’ll experience life on a vibrant campus with dozens of clubs, classes in almost any subject, and only be three miles from the city center. UCD embraces community engagement between students and all of Ireland.
- Dublin City University. DCU is a fast growing and a popular spot for a study abroad in Dublin. With a large expansion program throughout 2015 and 2016, DCU now incorporates a number of new colleges into its academic portfolio. This is not only good for them, but good for you! There are now over 70 taught programs offered to students all over the world.
4. When do most students study in Dublin?
One amazing thing about Dublin study abroad programs is that they are offered all year long! While a lot of students like to take advantage of the short and sweet summer programs, there’s a hearty amount of semester and year long programs to fill your plate with as well. (Add some fish and chips to that order, please!).
Semester and year long programs are going to be more costly of course, but if you’ve envisioned yourself traveling through the Irish countryside, sipping on endless pints of Guinness, and even taking the time to learn a little Gaelic from the locals, you’ll want to invest in a longer study abroad in Dublin. Another perk about semester and year long programs for studying abroad in Dublin is the amount of classes you can take. Each semester you are allowed 4 to 6 courses which make up 12 to 18 US credits. Not only will you be an actual student immersed in the Irish culture, but you’ll be fulfilling all your requirements back home. My goodness, my Guinness!
Choosing to study in Dublin over the summer is no less exciting than the semester or year long programs, but it may be just the right amount of commitment you’re willing to give. You can still study at different universities, travel, and earn your credits fast. It may be a short journey, but it will be as sweet as soda bread pudding. Read more about how to determine what time of year is the best time to say “bon voyage.”
This awesome “Long Room of the Old Library” is at Trinity College!
5. Where can I find study abroad programs in Dublin?
It’s ok to sit up at night and wonder where you’re going to find the perfect study abroad in Dublin. Life decisions are hard, especially when you don’t have many choices. Let your eyes flutter to a close and sleep soundly knowing Go Abroad has the inside scoop and an abundance of choices for you. Scroll your heart out on the GoAbroad’s Dublin study abroad program board and be one step closer to your Irish getaway!
6. Should I pay attention to study abroad in Dublin reviews?
You bet your bottom Euro you should! And if you’re as lucky as the Irish, you’re bound to learn a lot from reading Dublin study abroad reviews from another real life traveler. While the program description will provide you with all the general information, a personal review is just that—personal. Alumni from various different programs have given input on their experiences, travel tips, and maybe even some secrets on what made their study abroad special.
Reading study abroad in Dublin reviews reveals the candid information about a program. They are also a good resource to refer back to when trying to align your study abroad goals with a certain program. There are plenty of tips for how to pick a program, and plenty to learn from the folks that came before you!
7. What kinds of classes should I take in Dublin?
Now that you’ve decided where you want to go, you need to sort out what exactly you want to study in Dublin. One of the many amazing perks of a Dublin, Ireland study abroad is the mass amount of exposure you receive to different people, places, and things. Its multicultural influence makes it a hub for culture, art, history, religion, literature, business, and politics. If literature is your niche, earn your credits through studying great Irish writers like Oscar Wilde and Dublin’s own, Samuel Beckett.
Reckon the arts is more your style? The Irish theater awaits you and all of your storytelling desires! Course offerings also include computer science, technology, and STEM. It’s clear that you can study pretty much ANYTHING in this diverse city. Yes, that means more choices to be made, but exciting ones nonetheless!
Dublin study abroad DEFINITELY means frequent trips to Temple Bar. :-)
8. How much does it cost to study in Dublin?
The part everyone hates and worries about the most—dollar signs. Or, in this case, Euro signs! Finding an affordable and valuable program is possible without totally breaking the bank. It’s also important to remember that certain programs offer more bang for your buck.
While semester and year long programs may seem like the most expensive option, they are actually packed with extra perks that are already included in the price. This can mean your housing, full time tuition, cultural excursions, medical insurance, and academic advising (just to name a few) will already be paid for. That means less worry for you, and more time spent being an actual Irish college student! A low end program like IES’ Dublin Irish Studies will run you ~$16,900 a semester, while a high end program like Direct Enrollment with Trinity College Dublin will raise you ~$22,800 a semester.
Summer programs do not shy away from the perks either, the only difference is of course—time. These programs love to pack in the most they can for a reasonable amount of money. Accommodation, fun field trips, and tuition is still covered in the full price of these programs. A low end program like CIEE’s Summer Irish Studies will cost a reasonable ~$4,200, and a high end program like API’s Summer Architecture with University College Dublin will run you ~$6,380.
Your lifestyle choices will determine how much extra spending money you will want to have. The Euro to Dollar exchange rate is a close conversion, but you still want to be aware of how much you spend and how to budget. It is highly recommended that you enter your study abroad with some money saved. Extra cash is always a plus, and may come in handy when you’re deciding to order one more pint at the pub!
[Browse Scholarships for Studying in Ireland]
What are the best study abroad programs in Dublin?
1. IES Abroad: Global Brilliance Begins Here
IES Abroad offers various programs for the ultimate study in Dublin experience. Whether you’re wanting to escape for summer, semester, or a full year, they have you covered! Take your pick from different Irish universities where you’ll study, explore, and interact with other local and international students. From acting classes to Irish cultural studies, you will have the chance to learn in a diverse and historical city. Your luck is already growing! Take time to read the IES Dublin study abroad reviews to discover why this program is the one for you.
2. API at University College Dublin
This University College Dublin study abroad program is ideal for students who want to attend a globally distinguished university with a large international presence. Not only are there countless courses to choose from that will emerge you deep into the Irish culture, but the API staff are eager to be by your side through the entire process. Offering experienced staff who love to share their knowledge on Ireland and have planned numerous cultural excursions, API is there for all your study abroad Dublin needs.
- Related: Read reviews of this API program
3. Semester in Dublin - Dublin City University with CISabroad
This program lets you study at a school modeled after the US university system. This young and prestigious university has courses that merge together Irish and international students while offering trips throughout the country, including Galway, Cork, and Northern Ireland! Make lifelong connections with these friendly folks when you choose this CIS program.
4. CAPA Dublin: Study and Intern Abroad
Based at Griffith College, the CAPA Dublin program not only lets you study in a historical, cosmopolitan city, but offers an optional internship as well! If you choose to add an international internship to your Dublin study abroad program, you will gain real life work experience with a company placement right in the city. CAPA is there to guide you through the process and provide all the information you need in order to be a Dubliner. Take a peek at CAPA’s study abroad in Dublin reviews!
[Want More? Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs in Dublin]
Now’s your chance for a Dublin study abroad!
Make your dreams come true. <3
Phew! That’s a lot of information to take in, but now that you know how great a study abroad in Dublin will be, it’s time to pick your program and get ready to experience life in the Emerald Isle! The Irish may truly be some of the friendliest folk in the world, especially to Americans. You will find Ireland to be a refreshing mix of traditional culture, jaw dropping green scenic views, and an inviting atmosphere that will make you feel at home.
What you won’t find at home? The delicious, traditionally made beef and Guinness stew (yes, beer even goes into the food!), pubs that keep the party going until the early mornings, and so much Irish step dancing you’ll want to watch and learn. When you study in Dublin you are given a broader higher education, but also a different community of people to learn from across the world. Ready to get going? It’s all out there—waiting for you on the other side of the rainbow.
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