Technology 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.

Studying abroad was one of the scariest and most fulfilling things I could have done during my undergraduate experience. I was a commuter student in my undergraduate program, and was not used to the independence offered to me during this program. I had the time of my life. As a Trinity student, we were given a co-living apartment about a 20 minutes walk from Trinity, right in the center of the Dublin. My apartment also offered a beautiful view of the Wicklow mountains. Trinity was an amazing school to attend, and the academics were challenging, and the classmates were interesting. I took a couple of courses that would not be offered at my home university, and I had a lot of fun. It was so cool being able to attend such a historical school, and attend its events, such as Trinity Ball. In addition to attending a school with a beautiful campus, our resident directors planned spectacular trips around Ireland as well! I felt that I saw most of the country in my four months there. We did a variety of activities and it was fun to experience with other Americans. I learned a lot about the Irish culture and history. Dublin is also a central location in Europe, and my roommates and I were able to take a couple of trips around the continent. Flights within in Europe are so cheap and you are not necessarily restricted to the country you are studying in. I saw so many sights and met a lot of different people through my travels. I will forever be thankful that I decided to study abroad. I still talk to my study abroad roommates and have visited them around the United States after our program has ended. I've also ended up back in Ireland in a graduate program at UCD because I loved it here so much. My program with API was definitely part of my journey to end up here, and I would recommend studying abroad to anyone who is thinking about it (I definitely recommend Ireland, but I'm not biased).

Going abroad was a spontaneous, circumstantial decision for me rather than a well-thought out plan. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I stumbled upon this program after consulting with an advisor at the International Programs Office at my school in late October. I knew I wanted to go to Ireland or Italy, and this was the only program left available due to the timing of my decision to go abroad. Little did I know that Maynooth, Ireland would hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life! Maynooth is a gorgeous college town situated on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. Dublin Center is easily accessible by bus or train. It is Ireland's only college town, with an active student body and a wide array of things to do. Many of the students I met and became close with were other students studying abroad (Erasmus students), from various states in the U.S. and even from countries across Europe! The Erasmus student population is what made the experience for me personally, although there were many friendly locals I met as well. Grab a pint of Guinness at the Roost, go for a hike with alpacas in the Irish countryside, or explore all that Dublin Center has to offer. Ireland has no shortage of beautiful landscapes and interesting people, and I highly recommend spending your semester abroad in this truly wonderful country. API offers excursions to all of the must-see places in Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, the Blarney Stone, and more. They were extremely accommodating and highly proactive in ensuring that all of my needs were met before I studied abroad. I highly recommend spending your semester abroad with API.

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.

This past summer I traveled to Dublin, Ireland with CEA CAPA. I had an overall wonderful experience and found the staff both pre departure and within my host country to be very helpful. They were quick with responses and assisting in any worries that I might have had. While there, we had two CEA CAPA planned trips that were very fun and a good chance to explore the country. I met so many wonderful people on the trip too. Over all my experience was really great!

From beginning to end, my time with AIFS in Maynooth was literally AMAZING. I met some people that I’m still friends with, had food I’ve never had before, and got to experience a new way of life. It was so, so, SO relaxing. There were it’s tough moments for sure, but God blessed me even (or especially) in those moments in that I learned how to grow and be an adult and make my own decisions in those moments. It was so gorgeous and I loved shopping in downtown Dublin, trying foods in Maynooth, and learning to catch their (beautiful and clean and safe) buses! It’s been 6 months now and I miss it so much!!!

In the summer of 2023, I landed in Galway, Ireland to work with Galway Autism Partnership (GAP). What followed was two months of exploring Ireland’s culture, creating deep friendships, and bonding with Galway’s Autistic community. As club facilitators, my fellow ISA volunteers and I helped improve the quality and quantity of GAP's clubs and events. Galway Autism Partnership was able to execute a record 20+ camps in just over 6 weeks, attended by 120+ different participants with our assistance. Children and teens enjoyed special interest camps that highlighted dance, baking, cooking, outer space, and more. I am fortunate to have fostered positive relationships with GAP's regular attendees, full-time staff, and temporary volunteers through my program. Even today, I remain in contact with GAP managers, staff, and friends I met through ISA service-learning. In addition to working with GAP, I immersed myself in Ireland's rich culture. My ISA friends and I found ourselves frequenting trad nights, cheering on Gaelic football and hurling games, and biking along the Aran Islands. Our visit felt full of spontaneous trips to Dublin, walking around Galway's local markets, and trying new restaurants. To this day, my ISA friends uphold our WhatsApp groupchat "GAP girlies" to catch up and discuss when we'll meet for a reunion. My experience was educational and fulfilling. Often, I remember a particular camp, teen, or parent who changed my perspective on caring for such a vulnerable population. Even more so, what it means to have the honor of developing a relationship with a differently abled person. Working on special interest camps and facilitating clubs with GAP solidified my passion for helping a community achieve its goals. It also strengthened my knowledge of cultural competence and true allyship. I am very appreciative of the ISA service-learning program for this incredible opportunity that I hold close to my heart.

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.

Loved every second of it! Traveled to numerous countries, academics weren’t the hardest so I was able to have freedom when it came to exploring! Maynooth was a beautiful town, loved the shopping center. Everything was walkable and Ireland has excellent transportation.

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.