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Dublin, Ireland

Direct Enrollment - National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Fall

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Designed for theatre students seeking an intensive, practical approach to performance, this fall study abroad program at the National Theatre School of Ireland's Gaiety School of Acting (NTSI (GSA)) lets you participate with other Irish and international students. This program is physically and emotionally demanding, and students participate fully in all aspects of the training process. If you are ready for the rewarding challenge of adapting to an entirely new academic culture that requires significant independent work, this fall study abroad acting program is for you!

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Walk in the Footsteps of the Greats

Famous alums and supporters include Liam Neeson and Olivia Wilde.

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Build a Team

Work with a team of local and international students to hone your skills.

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Participate in the Vibrant Local Theater Scene

You'll have the opportunity to engage with Dublin's Theatre Festival.

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Explore the Neighborhoods

Walk along the River Liffey and meander through the city.

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,981

Program Advisor

Macey Schondel headshot

Macey Schondel

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a street in Temple Bar lined with green and orange flags

Why Dublin in the Fall?

You won’t need the luck of the Irish to have an unforgettable study abroad experience in Dublin in the fall. By directly enrolling in a local university for the fall term, you have the opportunity to become a part of Dublin’s large student community (more than half of the city is under 25 years old). Plus you'll have the opportunity to engage with Dublin's Theatre Festival and integrate your coursework with the Fringe Festival!

Learn More About Dublin

Get to Know Your New City

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Take a Day Trip

Explore and hike along the coast just a short train ride from the city.

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Catch a Live Performance

Venture to the theatre, or enjoy live music at your local pub.

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Taste the Local Food

Walk along the River Liffey and meander through the city.

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Visit the Book of Kells

Walk the same streets as authors James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean apartment kitchen and living space, with sleek counters, dark cabinets, and modern appliances.
  • Residence Hall

Residence Hall

You live in a private student residence with up to seven other IES Abroad students each having your own bedroom and bathroom within the apartment. No meals are provided, but you'll share a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living area. Mixed-gender and single-gender apartments are available. 

The private student residence is completely furnished and has WiFi along with other amenities, including on-site laundry facilities and 24-hour reception and security. The residence hall is within walking distance or a short bus ride to the IES Abroad Center. Residents are invited to attend a range of social events such as mindfulness workshops, movie nights, volunteer days, and more. 

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 the National School of Ireland - Gaiety School of Acting (NTSI (GSA)). 

This is a fully integrated program and students participate with local students. Your fall semester begins with a three-week intensive IES Abroad theatre course, TH352 Soundings from the Fringes, that combines performance workshops with the critical study of plays, and integrates your classroom work with Dublin’s annual Fringe Festival in September. Courses at the NTSI (GSA) then begin when the IES Abroad course ends in early October and conclude in mid-December. 

Partner Institution

Students dressed in black pose to express emotions like confusion, happiness, worry, and sadness.
  • The National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting

The National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting

The National Theatre School of Ireland (Gaiety School of Acting) is Dublin’s premier acting school. The policy of NTSI (GSA) is to train you for the theatre, film, and television industries by providing you with conservatory-like professional training taught by dedicated GSA Faculty and local instructors who hold impressive credentials. Joseph Dowling, the internationally recognized Theatre Director, founded the school in 1986. 

Watch a short clip of IES Abroad Dublin students sharing what they love about attending NTSI (GSA). 

The NTSI (GSA) operates out of the renovated 17th-century Smock Alley Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of Temple Bar, the city’s arts and entertainment district. The area’s rejuvenation in the 1980s preserved the narrow cobbled streets and historic storefronts for galleries, small theatres, and centers for applied arts, photography, and film.

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Courses

This is a fully integrated program, and students participate with local students. The fall semester begins with a three-week intensive IES Abroad theatre course (TH352 Soundings from the Fringes, 3 credits) that combines performance workshops with the critical study of plays, and integrates your classroom work with Dublin’s annual Fringe Festival in September. Courses at the NTSI (GSA) then begin when the IES Abroad course ends in early October. The NTSI (GSA) courses conclude in mid-December.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Partner Institution Courses

National Theater School of Irland, Gaiety School of Acting 

The following courses are offered at NTSI (GSA): 

  • Theatre History, Text Analysis, Stagecraft, and Theatre Visits (4 credits) - This course includes a research project to be presented in class. 
  • Voice (4 credits) - Concentrate on boosting awareness of habits that are hampering the free and full expression of your voice. 
  • Acting (4 credits) - Performance techniques are developed both as an individual and as part of an ensemble through the exploration of characterization and text, utilizing the emotions, imagination, and physical skills of the student. 
  • Movement (4 credits) - This course introduces core training in physical movement skills, enabling you to gain flexibility, strength, and coordination. 

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,936
Housing
$
4,800
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
20,981

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

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. The Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Dublin
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Dublin. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Dublin and Ireland before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Get to Know the University
In addition, IES Abroad and The National Theatre School of Ireland (Gaiety School of Acting) hold a joint orientation for students beginning their abroad adventure.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Irish culture and get to know the other students.

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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale  (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Applicants must be a major or minor in Theater Arts/Drama or have EXTENSIVE theater experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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