The Country | The University | The Program | Housing and Meals | Costs | Insurance | Financial Aid | Applications
The Country
The Republic of Ireland occupies the island of Ireland, except for six northern counties which compose Northern Ireland (Ulster), a part of the United Kingdom. The capital and largest city of the Republic is Dublin, which has one million inhabitants. Although Ireland has been historically one of Europe's poorest countries, since becoming a member of the European Union in 1973 it has begun to experience rapid economic growth and has attracted some of Europe's most dynamic companies, especially in the telecommunications field.
This four-week program (2 June - 26 June 2026) , which has a focus on Irish Studies, draws on the expertise of all disciplines within the College of Arts and Humanities. Students will get the opportunity to examine Irish history, culture and society in an interdisciplinary and interactive manner. Each topic is addressed in an associated lecture by a leading expert in their field accompanied by academic field trips to the rich variety of museums and cultural sites Dublin has to offer.
UCD Arts and Humanities Summer Study Abroad Program also offers a bespoke cultural and social program of excursions and social events, enabling students to explore Dublin and Ireland outside of the classroom.
Course Information:
Module 1: Ireland in the World (First 2 weeks)
This interdisciplinary module will explore Ireland's interaction with Europe and the wider world from ancient to modern times. As a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland has cultivated global links for centuries through the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity, Celtic and Viking influences, Norman and English settlers, political and religious allies in Europe and through outward and (more recently) inward migration.
Lectures and seminars in this module will examine Ireland’s economic, religious, linguistic and political encounters with other nations through trade, colonization, exploration, migration and exile. Cultural, artistic and literary exchanges will be discussed through specific case-studies highlighting key themes relation to global encounters from a range of time periods. On-campus tours to cultural repositories will include analysis material from the National Folklore Collection and UCD Special Collections. Related cultural visits will be scheduled for EPIC museum, Dublin Castle and Glasnevin Cemetery.
Learning outcomes:
- Students will learn about key ideas and concepts in historical, cultural and political ideologies in Ireland and overseas
- Students will work with multidisciplinary sources and texts and develop skills of critical analysis and interpretation
- Students will participate in active learning both on and off campus through specified activities and tasks
- Students will develop independent research and analytical skills
- Reflective writing skills will be practiced and developed
Assessment: 30% Report on cultural site visit, 20% Specified learning activities, 50% Reflective Learning Journal
Module 2: Performing Irish Identity (Second 2 weeks)
This multidisciplinary module will explore how Irish identity is ‘performed’ through a range of cultural practices and traditions. With over 70 million people worldwide claiming Irish descent, the expression of Irish cultural identity has a global impact and influence. Case-studies and examples will draw on current scholarship in the fields of art, film, literature, manuscript production, music and dance, sculpture, sporting initiatives, storytelling, theatre and other cultural activities.
Lectures and seminars in this module will explore how these cultural practices have changed and developed over time and space in response to political, social and cultural conditions. Practice-based workshops introducing students to traditional music and dancing, drama, sport and literary analysis will be a central feature of this module. On-campus tours to cultural repositories will include UCD Poetry Reading Archive. Related cultural visits will be scheduled for MoLI Museum, National Museum of Decorative Arts, National Gallery, Irish Traditional Music Archive and Croke Park.
Insurance
All students participating in this program are covered by the SUNY full health and accident insurance as well as medical evacuation and repatriation insurance.
Financial Aid
Students currently receiving financial aid may be able to use their aid for overseas study, and in some cases may have their awards increased. Students should consult their home campus financial aid office for information on financial aid eligibility during overseas study.
Money Matters Financial Literacy:
Money Matters Financial Literacy is a SUNY Oswego site dedicated to equipping all students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to build a foundation for lifelong financial well-being. Be sure to review the information carefully and meet with a financial advisor at your home university to better understand how your financial aid can support your study abroad experience. Please note that some items on the site may apply to SUNY Oswego students only.
Scholarships
SUNY Oswego has a number of scholarships available for students planning to study abroad. Students can view the study abroad scholarships here. It is the responsibility of each student to read through the study abroad scholarships website and determine which scholarships they are eligible for and to submit scholarship applications. The application deadline for these scholarships is March 15, 2025.
General Scholarships are available to all students studying abroad through SUNY Oswego programs, including non-Oswego students. These scholarships are not dedicated to any specific program or country. For more information please visit Oswego Abroad General Scholarships.
Country-specific scholarships are available to all students who are applying to study in a particular country. Both SUNY Oswego and non-SUNY Oswego students who will be studying in Germany are eligible to apply for these scholarships. For more information please visit Oswego Abroad Country-Specific Scholarships.
There are also some scholarships available exclusively for SUNY Oswego students who are studying abroad. Non-SUNY Oswego students are not eligible to apply for these scholarships. For more information please visit Oswego Abroad Oswego Student Scholarships.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.
Applications
Late applications are accepted on a space-available basis. Please use the standard SUNY Overseas Academic Program application, obtainable at any SUNY campus, or from the Oswego OIEP web site at http://www.oswego.edu/intled.
A non-refundable deposit of $250, applicable to the program cost, must be paid within 14 days of acceptance to the program in order to secure program participation. Any deviation from program requirements must be requested in writing and authorized by the Director of International Education and Programs before the final payment date.
09/27/25
