Optometry & Vision Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Ireland

I had a pretty great semester at UL. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the professors, but also learned a lot about myself and the Irish people. I joined the Christian Union pretty early on and was welcomed into fellowship with that group. I accompanied some friends of that group into smaller towns I may not have otherwise visited and helped lead churches playing piano. I was welcomed into homes and I really felt loved. I also got to see much of the countryside and felt it easy to travel around to sight see. My time in Ireland is a time where I grew in knowing myself but also my understanding of the world. I loved learning Irish traditions, culture, and history, and I know that I could never know nearly as much by staying home.

In my time here, I learned so much about what I am capable of and what the world has to offer. This is largely due to the support of the study abroad team and resources like the writing, counseling, and health centers. I am so proud of all I have accomplished, be it in academics and the things I learned, and in stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring more about Ireland, Irish culture, and how I immerse myself in it. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this possible for me.

It was honestly the best experience it could have been - Great organization of the study abroad program, easy module selection, broad offer of modules, fun and regular campus activities, a bunch of reserved housing spaces for international students (be fast though) and a great study abroad team that helps with all your worries! I made so many good friends and enjoyed the spring semester immensely. 10/10 would recommend. the only negative part is that Ireland is a pretty expensive country as it is... UL offers a lot of cheaper food options though, that helped!

AIFS truly made my experience abroad amazing! This was largely due to my on-site program director, Elaine. Through our program-wide weekly meetings and our excursions around Ireland, she made my experience infinitely better. I was able to get to different areas of the country that I likely would not have made it to otherwise. She was also able to give me advice about the other countries I was traveling to. It was also amazing to be able to live with other members of my program. This situation made it possible for us to become very close. Thank you Elaine and AIFS!

My exprience of study abroad was great. I could make friends at University of Limerick and they were very kind to me. The class was also valuable. I took a music class and I could learn traditional Irish music, it was worth to compare with my culture’s one.

My preconceived ideas of what a semester abroad would entail and teach me were completely incorrect. I was pleasantly surprised in various ways by how much this experience changed my values and perspectives. Living with 5 other international students taught me about various cultures. Gaining both classroom and clinical experience for my degree broadened my understanding of healthcare systems. Developing strong relationships with my peers and the faculty improved both my education and understanding of Irish culture. Traveling often broadened my worldview and strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I am a smarter, stronger, and better person as a result of studying in Ireland. It is an experience I hope many others get the opportunity to do. I am confident saying that so far, these were genuinely the best four months of my life.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad at the University of Limerick through AIFS. As a math major this was one of few programs that offered classes I needed for my degree. Taking classes alongside Irish students and other international students was a great way to make new friends. Also my classes gave me a view into similarities and difference between Irish and American culture in education and beyond.

My time at UL was unforgettable! Everyone was so welcoming, friendly, and supportive! My time abroad was truly a life changing experience and I will only talk highly of the University of Limerick! I got to engage with professors and my peers, learn about a ton of new topics, and travel the world! I am forever grateful I chose UL as I truly found a home within Ireland! I could never thank the people and places of Ireland that made it a forever home to me!

I loved every second of going to the University of Limerick, from the traditional Irish music, great events on campus, meeting all the other student abroad students, I made forever friends, tons of great memories, I highly suggest going on as many trips as you can via the UL student life website, and the other tour bus agencies

The Studying abroad experience at the University of Limerick in Ireland through Iowa State University offered a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Irish culture while continuing my academic journey. The University was located along the scenic River Shannon which allowed me to talk beautiful daily walks beside it, and the University of Limerick is known for its innovative programs, vibrant campus life, and strong focus on international collaboration which really allowed me to excel in academics while there. During my semester abroad, I engaged with a diverse student body, explored Ireland’s rich history and landscapes, and gained a global perspective that enhanced both my personal and professional growth. This experience fostered independence, adaptability, and lifelong memories.

Participating in the AIFS Abroad program was truly an ideal way to experience studying overseas. From start to finish, every step was made incredibly easy thanks to the clear layout and step-by-step guidance provided. Many of my initial anxieties about going abroad were alleviated because I had consistent support throughout the entire process—from applying to arriving in Ireland, and even when it was time to return home. It was comforting to know that help was always available. The people of Ireland were wonderful—warm, welcoming, and eager to share their rich culture with us. I will never forget the amazing food, especially the spice bags, which I still dream about. The entire experience is something I would never trade for the world. I genuinely believe that everyone should seize the opportunity to go abroad at least once in their life, and Ireland through AIFS is a fantastic choice. The breathtaking landscapes, combined with the ease of navigating public transportation, made exploring the country a joy. Every day presented new opportunities to meet incredible people and immerse myself in unforgettable experiences. AIFS Abroad in Ireland offers an enriching adventure that leaves a lasting impact. Ireland’s vibrant atmosphere is one of its standout features, with live music filling pubs and streets every night, creating a lively cultural scene that’s perfect for students looking to immerse themselves in local life. The accessibility to culture goes beyond just music, as many of Ireland’s museums offer free entry, providing countless opportunities to explore the country’s rich history and heritage. Dublin City University (DCU) is ideally located to take advantage of all these experiences. Situated close to the heart of Dublin, the university allows students easy access to the vibrant city life, while also being just a bus ride away from the peaceful countryside, stunning beaches, or even a quick train journey to explore other parts of Ireland. This blend of urban and rural access offers students the best of both worlds. Academically, DCU stands out with its strong educational standards. The professors are passionate about their subjects and deeply invested in their students' success, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. With reasonable class sizes, students benefit from a more personalized education experience, similar to what they might find in the United States, ensuring a smooth academic transition for international students. One of the highlights of the AIFS program at Dublin City University is the class trips and excursions. These trips, led by a dedicated advisor who is always available for support, provide an incredible opportunity to explore Ireland beyond the classroom. The advisor organizes weekend trips to iconic destinations like Galway and Cork, giving students the chance to experience the diverse beauty of the country. In addition to these trips, the program offers a range of group activities, such as dinners, visits to sporting events, tours of Irish farms, and even a unique tea bus experience. These excursions not only allow students to immerse themselves in Irish culture but also help build strong bonds with fellow students, creating lasting memories of the time spent abroad.

My j-term in Dublin was one of my favorite experiences in life thus far. Before going I had never flown out of the US, and never alone. I felt unprepared going into my flight as I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into. I felt like AIFS did not do a great job communicating, as myself and several other students felt unprepared and confused. We were given incorrect papers several times, and the syllabus was wrong. HOWEVER after everything was settled and we finally made it to our housing I had a wonderful time. Dublin is beautiful, and I felt like we were shown that. I made great friends and have nothing but fond memories.

Studying abroad in Limerick with AIFS was an incredible experience. Elaine Keane, who ran our excursions and made sure we were settled in, was absolutely amazing. The group of students who went with AIFS that semester was fairly small, and we had lots of opportunities to hang out and become good friends. We got to go on several excursions to various sites around Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and the Aran Islands, and for those excursions, AIFS provided the accommodations and some meals, as well as activities such as bus and carriage tours. Outside of the excursions, Elaine met with us weekly to check on how our classes were going, how our living situation was, whether we were finding everything we needed, and to answer any questions we might have. The University of Limerick has a gorgeous campus (lot of walking though!) with good faculty who were understanding of the fact that we were studying abroad. UL has a large base of global students, so their global office and accommodations for those students are well-developed. I learned a lot about Irish culture while studying here, thanks to the many fun classes UL offers. The university is located just outside of Limerick, with several bus routes from the school to the city, and there are several shopping centers near the university as well. It was definitely worth going in to Limerick every so often- one of my favorite parts was the weekly Milk Market that happens every Saturday. I was also able to get a card at the Limerick Library and borrow books instead of buying them, which was awesome. Limerick also has bus routes to Shannon Airport, which I recommend if you want to travel outside of Ireland; Dublin Airport is your other option, which is much busier but it is also fairly easy to get to (you can take the train from Limerick station and then get on the airport shuttle at the Dublin station). There were a lot of cheap flights that I was able to get, so I could travel to places like Edinburgh, London, and Amsterdam on the weekends and over breaks. The only not-so-great part of the experience was the accommodations at UL, due to a combination of the random roommate assignment (which was unfortunately just my bad luck and outside of AIFS's control) and the facilities at Plassey, the student village I lived in (the laundry, for one, and some of the design choices for flooring and furniture made the houses seem dirty no matter how clean they were). However, this one aspect was a small price to pay for the opportunities I got on this trip. I was able to travel around Ireland and parts of Europe on the weekends, while learning about Ireland's culture and history during the week on a beautiful campus. I also made friends that I am still in touch with, and that I hope will stay lifelong friends thanks to our experiences together. Overall, I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in studying in Ireland- Limerick may not seem as exciting as Dublin or Galway, but I promise this city has a lot to offer you. I'm really glad I chose to do this program.

My experience in Ireland proved to be an exceptionally enriching moment, ranking among the most transformative encounters of my educational and personal development. In addition to acquiring valuable insights pertinent to my college major, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the local culture. Although Ireland didn't initially emerge as my foremost choice for my first European trip, I have no regrets whatsoever. Every facet of the journey, from the picturesque landscapes to the culinary delights, became a source of profound enjoyment. The nursing course I undertook exceeded expectations in terms of its informativeness. I appreciated the educational approach employed by the professor, which deviated from the conventional norms of STEM instruction. Contrary to the anticipated stress associated with such coursework, I found the learning environment to be conducive to absorbing a substantial amount of knowledge with remarkable ease. Transitioning from a community college setting to the experience of independent but also communal living with previously unfamiliar individuals, and adapting to a larger academic institution presented notable adjustments. However, the support and amiable assistance extended by program leaders, staff members, and the affable local community facilitated a seamless integration. This experience has become an indelible part of my narrative, continually serving as a testament to the acquisition of invaluable life skills. I enthusiastically encourage prospective students to explore the opportunities afforded by AIFS. It will offer a transformative experience, from rich cultural immersion and top-notch education to career opportunities and personal growth, its a concise yet comprehensive package. The friendly atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cuisine make it a positively life-changing adventure that every student should consider.

I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the course I took about Irish culture and traditions. It enhanced my experience of studying abroad and visiting the country by teaching me a bit the meaning behind many iconic landmarks and events.

Spending a semester in Limerick was one of the best decisions of my life! Limerick is a great location and is less expensive in terms of cost of living and less touristy. It is very easy to travel all across Ireland via the green bus and internationally through Shannon airport. There were no downsides other than the first week or so of adjusting to a new country and being far from everyone. But adjustment period is normal and expected with study abroad. The resident director Elaine is absolutely fabulous! She made sure everything went well and took us on a lot of amazing trips! Classes in Ireland focus more on exams than in the U.S. and they only meet for 2 hours a week. There were a nice balance of classes available for my stem major as well as fun cultural classes such as Irish music and folklore. The nature on campus and throughout Ireland is so beautiful. I miss going for walks along the Shannon, on campus. There are so many great things about Limerick and study abroad in general. I would recommend Limerick to anyone who is considering it!

I had a wonderful opportunity this Fall to do a Study + Intern program in Dublin. Living at Dublin City University, Dublin was an incredible city to explore with so much character and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. The program included multiple excursions, such as a day trip to Cork. In addition, Dublin was an amazing launchpad to explore a large portion of Western Europe. I will always cherish this unique opportunity to spend a semester in Ireland.

Embarking on a study abroad adventure in Limerick, Ireland for 3 weeks in the summer was an absolute delight. The flexible arrangement of classes and activities allowed for a perfect balance making the experience honestly feel like a vacation. I was able to visit many landmarks in Limerick while also traveling to nearby cities via bus or train. During my stay in Limerick I also visiting Galway, Cork, Cobh, and Dublin Ireland. I was able to get a true feel of all parts of Ireland before leaving. The program is well supported and has many staff members to support you for any needs which came in handy especially when I got an allergy flareup. I was also taking a criminal course during my time in Ireland and gained a comprehensive understanding of the coursework all while having fun. One of the activities in class was visiting the prison in Limerick and seeing how they do everything. If you are seeking an educational adventure wrapped in warmth of Irish hospitality, Limerick is undoubtedly the place to be.

Although moving to a college four hours away from home was a big step on my path to independence, I knew there was always more room to build my own autonomy. Something that would really test my ability to successfully be self-sufficient. Studying abroad felt like the most appropriate way to test this. I then decided to participate in the AIFS Semester abroad in Limerick Program. Although many insecurities and fears arose about not being able to achieve this newfound independence or not being able to successfully live in a new country I had never been to on my own, I took the leap of faith anyways. As my father drove me to the airport for the most influential trip of my life I recall saying, “I think is the craziest thing I have ever done.” All the unknowns and questions of making the right decision or not flooded my mind. I can now proudly say, when you take a leap of faith you are indefinitely rewarded for it, and this is what study abroad has shown me. Since studying abroad in Limerick I have walked away with an immersed experience of being a student at the University of Limerick, walked away with numerous friends from all over the world, and most importantly, a more enhanced and independent version of myself. If you ever have doubts or concerns about study abroad, I want to remind you. When you take a leap of faith you are indefinitely rewarded for it, so go for it and take that leap of faith. You will never know the opportunities and friends you will have for life until you do.

Studying abroad offers a transformative experience, providing a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, broaden your perspectives, and gain a global mindset. It enhances personal growth, fosters independence, and exposes you to the diversity in academics amongst other cities. Beyond academics, you'll develop valuable life skills, build an international network, and create lasting memories. Overall, studying abroad is a widely unique opportunity for self-discovery along with education and personal development. Moving to Ireland for the few months I was there was tough at first, as there were so many unknowns. AIFS did an amazing job making me feel welcome at the University of Limerick, immersing me in different cultures, and supporting me personally and academically. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could.