You won’t need the luck of the Irish to have an unforgettable study abroad experience in Dublin. By directly enrolling at Dublin City University (DCU), you’ll have the joy of befriending the Irish, who are known for their hospitality. You’ll feel more at home knowing that Dublin has a young population (more than half of the city is under 25).Dublin rewards the independent spirit with a diverse culture and a wide range of educational opportunities.Dublin City University (DCU) offers a wide variety of challenging courses. This program appeals primarily to those students who are ready for the challenge of adapting to an entirely new academic culture that requires significant independent work.Dublin will also be your classroom. Take in an Irish play at Abbey Theatre, the country’s national theater. Learn about Dublin’s history by exploring Dublin Castle which was built in 1204. Visit Trinity College Dublin to see The 7th Century Book of Kells, a masterful example of an illuminated manuscript, that is housed in its own climate controlled archive in the university’s old library. Welcome to study abroad!We want you to feel at home in Dublin, so we will do everything we can to help you integrate into life in Dublin. Enrolling directly in an Irish institution through IES Abroad provides you with a chance to sample the local academic culture while still benefiting from the support of IES Abroad staff and housing.
After you are admitted, refer to the Travel Dates section of the Predeparture Information in your MyIESabroad account before booking travel.
Academic Year only
Schedules for final exams or coursework deadlines are not available until students are on-site. For that reason, it is recommended that students purchase airline tickets with open-ended or flexible return date policies.
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Dublin City University.
Dublin City University (DCU)www.dcu.ieFounded in 1980, Dublin City University (DCU) has made its mark as a leader in Ireland’s educational system. Ireland’s Sunday Times named DCU University of the Year for 2010. It hosts approximately 10,000 students and boasts a number of research centers which collaborate with domestic and international universities. The Helix, Ireland’s largest art center, is based on campus.
DCU’s main objective is to provide a lively educational and social environment, while encouraging a holistic approach to student development.
CoursesDCU courses are generally worth 5 ECTS credits each (2.5 IES Abroad credits); the conversion is 1 IES Abroad credit for every 2 ECTS credits. You register for 15-19 IES Abroad credits.
You can view a sample list of available modules here: DCU Module List: 2017-2018
Most modules are linked to more complete course information online. Lab courses are not available to visiting students, including IES Abroad students. Course codes are as follows:
Courses are available within the following departments:
LocationLocated in north Dublin, DCU occupies an expansive 85-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Because it is served by several bus routes between north Dublin and south Dublin, the campus is very accessible.
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Dublin, it will feel like home.
Student Apartments - You will live in Dublin City University's apartments with local students. The apartment suites are fully furnished and have fully-equipped kitchens. Each unit offers a wired Internet connection in all bedroom and common areas.You will have your own private bedroom and share the unit with up to three roommates which may be of mixed gender. However, you will be able to indicate on your IES Abroad Housing Form if you have any accommodation requirements in relation to this. Meal plans are not included.
Part of making you feel at home in Dublin is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
When you arrive in Dublin, you participate in an orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Dublin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Dublin. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered during this time. Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home. You also participate in DCU's orientation program for international students.
University Clubs & Events While you’re in Dublin, joining a social or sports club is a great way to meet local students. DCU offers many clubs and societies to help you integrate into the local campus culture, including everything from Astronomy Club to Ultimate Frisbee.
Although your adventure begins in Dublin, our field trips take you to rural areas and Northern Ireland to provide contrast and context for what you are learning in Dublin. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.
Northern Ireland3 daysTake in many of the filming sites of Game of Thrones, a famous “troubles tour’ of Belfast, and the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Causey Farm1 dayVisit an open farm where you will have the chance to try out Irish dancing, bake traditional Irish bread, play hurling (Ireland’s national sport), and visit a bog.
Experience Gaelic Games1 dayTake a few hours to learn about Ireland's national sports, Gaelic football, hurling, and handball.
About the Center
Features include:
Take a virtual tour of what it’s like to be in Dublin and what the IES Abroad Dublin Center is like!
Megan Markey earned an MBA in Education Management from the Institute of Education, University of London and a Masters in Sociology from University College Dublin. Employed by IES Abroad since 2004, Megan teaches our service learning seminar, Service Learning: Youth Engagement and Education in Ireland. She has also taught qualitative research for the Sociology Department at University College Dublin. Megan was the Assistant Director of the Dublin Center from 2010-2014 and became the Center Director in 2015.
IES Abroad Dublin Staff
Chris Corcoran Internship Coordinator
Regina Fitzpatrick Academic Coordinator
Jackie KnowlesStudent Affairs Coordinator
Stephen McMahon Writer's Program Coordinator and Moodle Adminstrator
Mairéad WhiteAccountant Assistant
What is it really like to live in Dublin? Check out our virtual tour of all the places you’ll come to know and love when you study abroad there—GO!
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