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Dublin - Writers Program
$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.
We offer unique courses that explore creative writing and literature through an in-depth and handson approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experiences and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You enroll in 15-19 credits per semester. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week.
- Writers Program courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Courses from our Irish Studies Program (optional, 3 credits each)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Community-Based Learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 320 - Irish Communal Identity | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/BS 348 - Negotiations | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/CB 395 - Youth Engagement and Education in Ireland: A Community-Based Learning Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/BS 348 - Negotiations | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CM/MK 345 - Digital Marketing & Communication | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU 250 - Introduction to Irish Language and Culture | Fall | English | 3 |
| FS/CU 260 - Irish Culture Through Film | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CU 270 - Celtic Myth and Legend in Early Ireland | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CW 270 - "Homespun Sails": Anthology Production Workshop | Fall, Spring | English | 1 |
| LT/CW 348 - Irish Playwriting: A Creative Introduction | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 350 - Photo/Graphic: Shaping Visual Narratives | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 356 - The Shadows We Cast: Writing the Irish Short Story | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 358 - Write Here, Write Now: An Introduction to Immersion Writing | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 456 - The Shadows We Cast: Writing the Irish Short Story | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ET 334 - Globalisation & Entrepreneurship | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/CU 260 - Irish Culture Through Film | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 340 - History of Ireland 1798-1922 | Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/HS 360 - Northern Irish Troubles: 1969-1999 | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 342 - Exploring Gothic Ireland: Fact, Fiction and Film | Fall | English | 3 |
| LT 354 - The Finest Music – The Craft of Irish Poetry | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CU 270 - Celtic Myth and Legend in Early Ireland | Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 348 - Irish Playwriting: A Creative Introduction | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 350 - Photo/Graphic: Shaping Visual Narratives | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 356 - The Shadows We Cast: Writing the Irish Short Story | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 358 - Write Here, Write Now: An Introduction to Immersion Writing | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT/CW 456 - The Shadows We Cast: Writing the Irish Short Story | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/MK 345 - Digital Marketing & Communication | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/HS 360 - Northern Irish Troubles: 1969-1999 | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 320 - Irish Communal Identity | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/CB 395 - Youth Engagement and Education in Ireland: A Community-Based Learning Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Dublin is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Dublin, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection and discussion, and even research, about the issues of your host community.
Possible placements may include organizations focusing on:
- At-Risk Youth: Work with a local after-school club where you’ll assist children with their homework and lead fun activities.
- Disadvantaged Communities: Assist at South West Inner City Network (SWICN) where you can help teach English to migrants, offer computer training to adults, or help children develop their creative voice through art, media making, and design.
Internships
Did you know that, while in Dublin, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Dublin is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Personalized Job Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed student with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently offer placements in your field of interest, we will look for one that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always looking for new internship opportunities for our students.
- Arts & Culture
- Business
- Communications
- Education Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Event Management
- Film
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Law
- Marketing
- Media
- Non-Profit
- Politics
- Public Relations
- Psychology
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Social Outreach
- Technology
- Theater
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. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations. Please note that the Writers Retreat is required and included in the cost of the program.
Writers Retreat
4 days | Fall & Spring
Embark on a journey to a secret destination, and spend four days focused exclusively on your writing in an environment conducive to reflection, renewal, and inquiry.
The West of Ireland
3 days | Fall & Spring
Explore the 800-year-old city 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.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Dublin organizes course-related trips that complement your academics and help you build your general knowledge of Irish culture and society.
Examples of possible course-related trips include:
- W.B. Yeats exhibit at National Library
- Irish Writer's Center
- James Joyce's Tower
- Abbey Theatre
- The Gate Theatre
- Story Slam - an open mic night
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’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your 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.
Orientation
Our orientation takes place in Dublin and is designed to introduce you to the program, your fellow students, and the city.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through 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.
You also take guided tours around the Center and areas of interest in Dublin as part of your orientation.
Housing
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.
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 singlegender 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.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Dublin, such as:
- Experience Gaelic Games
- Traditional Irish Cultural Activity
Volunteer Abroad
IES Abroad Dublin organizes volunteer opportunities that complement our courses and contribute to a general knowledge of Irish culture and society. Volunteer experiences include:
- Rialto Youth Project: Work with a local after-school club to help children with their homework and lead fun activities.
- South West Inner City Network (SWICN): Assist in offering a range of community services for adults and young people living in Dublin. Volunteer opportunities include teaching English to migrants, offering computer training to adults, or helping children develop their creative voice through art, media making and design.
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 theatre, 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 illustrated manuscript, located in the beautiful Trinity College Library.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Walk along the River Liffey, and meander through the city. Be sure to stop at Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square for the famous colorful 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
Program-Specific 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.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Dublin, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Dublin Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Dublin experience.
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!
Fall 2021
We all know that Fall 2021 is going to look a bit different from other study abroad terms, but that doesn’t mean it still 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 and learn abroad (and have some fun along the way!). 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 Fall 2021 Health & Safety page.
Academics
All of your courses this fall will be taught by world-class IES Abroad faculty at our Center, many of whom also teach or have taught at renowned, international universities. Explore courses we plan to offer this fall:
- List coming soon!
Health & Safety Protocols
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. So, to enhance effective social/physical distancing, IES Abroad is taking proactive measures in the classroom, including:
- limiting class enrollment sizes limitations
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Learn more about our health and safety measures for Fall 2021.
Housing
You’ll stay in a clean, comfortable residence hall where we’ve taken the utmost safety measures, including single occupancy rooms. At this time, homestays will not be offered through IES Abroad programs this fall. Learn more about the overarching housing policies for Fall 2021.
Field Trips
Across all IES Abroad programs, field trips will stay local and regional this fall. Your fields trips will all take place in Ireland, which means you’ll get fully immersed in the culture(s) you came for! Possible trips include:
- Kilkenny
- Glendalough
- Causey Farm
Internships
Our optional, part-time internships have always been designed to give you experience in what it's really like to work in Dublin. For Fall 2021, part-time internships will be offered online. That said, we’re working hard to be able to offer in-person opportunities that align with our health and safety standards. You can count on having a part-time internship this fall—definitely virtually and potentially in-person—to help you gain a professional edge this semester.
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 Fall 2021 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 factors.
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 Fall 2021: 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.
And thanks to our Fall 2021 Refund Policy, there’s no commitment just yet. What’s more, once you start an application, you’ll be in the loop and hear directly from us if any changes are made to your program.
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