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Dublin Direct Enrollment - Dublin City University
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our 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 (DCU).
You must meet the requisite minimum number of credits as stipulated for DCU.
You also have to meet DCU’s specific requirements, including the requisite minimum GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), relevant prerequisites for your study track, and junior or senior standing. You should select courses in your major or minor and be prepared to provide documentation of relevant prior coursework.
Dublin City University (DCU)
Founded in 1980, Dublin City University has made its mark as a leader in Ireland’s educational system. It hosts approximately 10,000 students and boasts a number of research centers that collaborate with domestic and international universities. The Helix, a world-class performing arts 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. You have the opportunity to live in campus housing and take advantage of a broad range of academic options.
Location
Located 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 and south Dublin, the campus is very accessible.
Courses
DCU courses are generally worth 2.5 IES Abroad credits each, and you take least 15 credits. Courses are available within the following departments:
- DCU Business School (BSSAO)
- Faculty of Engineering & Computing (ECSAO)
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (HMSAO)
- Faculty of Science & Health (SHSAO)
Unfortunately, lab courses are not available to visiting students, including IES Abroad students.
For more information, visit the DCU Module List.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to you. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at local Irish universities, you have access to the IES Abroad Dublin Center and staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is here for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.
The West of Ireland
3 days | Fall & Spring
Explore the 800-year-old city of Galway, the 2020 European Capital of Culture, with a guided tour and discover the stunning landscapes and castles of Connemara.
Causey Farm
1 day | Fall & Spring
Visit an open farm where you will have the chance to try Irish dancing, bake traditional Irish bread, learn to play an Irish drum called the bodhrán, and jump in a bog.
Students' Choice Day-Trip
1 day | Fall & Spring
Cast your vote at the beginning of the semester for an IES Abroad day-trip location.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
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-situated and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Dublin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Dublin. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
In addition, Dublin City University students also participate in their local orientation program for international students.
Housing
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well-situated, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
Student Apartments - You live in student apartments in a residence hall near campus with local and international students. The apartment suites are fully furnished and have fully equipped kitchens (no meals are included). You have your own bedroom and bathroom and share the unit with up to three roommates, which may be of mixed gender. Each unit offers an internet connection in all bedroom and common areas.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
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.
Get to Know Your New City
Take a Day Trip
Just a short train ride away are the towns of Howth, Dun Laoghaire and more. Let the explorer in you roam, and hike along the coast.
Catch a Live Performance
From traditional folk music to cutting-edge performance art, Dublin has it all. Venture to the theatre, or enjoy live music at your local pub.
Taste the Local Food
Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, boxty, and more—sink your teeth into the various fresh and delicious foods of Dublin.
Visit the Book of Kells
See this lavishly illuminated manuscript, located in the beautiful Library of Trinity College Dublin.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Walk along the River Liffey, and meander through the city. Be sure to stop at Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square to see the iconic painted doors.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
For Fall 2021, the IES Abroad Dublin Center will be based on the 8th floor of Beckett House, the same location as your housing. Beckett House is located in Dublin close to Dublin's universities, the city center, and O'Connell Street which includes shops, bars, and restaurants. Beckett house also offers:
- WiFi throughout the building
- On-site gym
- Courtyard with games
- Study room
- Bike rental
The IES Abroad Dublin Center is a fully-renovated red-brick Victorian building that used to serve as a post office. Located just south of Dublin’s city center, our building is walking distance from Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College Dublin.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study and plan trips in the library and travel planning space
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
- Borrow one of four laptops or two desktops
Other features include: high-speed internet, printing facilities, photocopier and scanner access
Our Staff
Megan Markey
Center Director
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 community-based 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
Regina Fitzpatrick
Assistant Director
Shane Fitzgerald
Internship Coordinator
Andrew Diviney
Student Affairs Coordinator
Stephen McMahon
Senior Writers Program Coordinator
Cristin O'Gorman
Internship Coordinator
Mairéad White
Accountant Assistant
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Spring 2022
Looking ahead to Spring 2022, there will likely be some aspects of the pandemic that we are still navigating—and that’s okay! Program details may need to pivot as conditions shift, but throughout that experience our commitment to do right by you will guide the way. While it might look different from other study abroad terms, that doesn’t mean Spring 2022 won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!
We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live, learn, and have some fun abroad. Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Spring 2022 Health & Safety page.
Academics & Partner Universities
Know that you’ll be learning from the best of the best this spring. On our Dublin Direct Enrollment - Dublin City University program, you’ll take courses at Dublin City University (DCU). Explore some of the options you may be able to choose from on the “Academics” tab.
Health & Safety Protocols
Starting this spring, IES Abroad will require that students participating in our study abroad programs and in-person internship programs abroad be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of their program. Read more in our Vaccine Policy.
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. IES Abroad is taking proactive measures based on the local health and safety guidelines of your study abroad location. As more information for Dublin becomes available, we will provide updates here and in your predeparture guide, which you’ll gain access to after applying. In the meantime, review safety measures we have taken with students this fall, some of which may extend into your experience.
- limiting class enrollment sizes
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
We know stepping into the unknown is part of your study abroad experience but know that you’re never alone and we’ll always have your back.
Housing
You’ll stay in a clean, comfortable housing where we’ve taken the utmost safety measures, including single occupancy rooms as needed. Learn more about the overarching housing policies for Spring 2022.
Field Trips
So much of the study abroad learning experience happens outside of the classroom. Our field trips and course-related excursions help you explore the ins and outs of your city and local region, adding real-life context to what you’ve read about in textbooks for years. Possible trips include:
- Gaelic Games
- Causey Farm
- Other locations will be added based on student preference. Come with ideas in mind!
Our Center
Our Center in Dublin is your go-to spot for classes, student services, and information. Serving as your campus away from campus, you can feel safe going to class or checking in with an IES Abroad staff member because, at a minimum, IES Abroad Centers will undergo daily cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning services.
Cost
Cost details for Spring 2022 can be found on the “Cost” tab. Be sure to click through the linked total to view a thorough cost-breakdown PDF. Consider those prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other considerations.
Go Ahead & Get Started…With a Refund Policy that has your Back
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit, we are guided by two priorities as we navigate Spring 2022: to leave the door open for your opportunity to study abroad, and to strive to keep you safe and healthy. So, what’s our advice? Give yourself the chance to have an incredible adventure—even if it’s a bit different than planned!—and know we’re right alongside you as the details unfold.
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