Faculty-led Program in Ireland (Prof. Heinz/Plagge)

UNIV 3003: Community and Wellbeing Through the Lifespan of Ireland  (3 credit hours) 

• This is a UNIFI: Global Condition category course. It can count as a general education UNIFI elective credit under the category of Connect.

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires several class meetings during the spring semester, although the course is scheduled as a summer course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements.  

Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

NOTES:

• Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
• Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.

Tentative Program Dates: Monday, May 19 - Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Dates do not include travel to/from destination)

Sample itinerary is subject to change. Activities throughout Ireland will be scheduled according to availability. 

Day 1: Students arrive to Shannon Airport; travel to housing in Limerick City on their own via public transportation; group dinner in evening. 

Day 2: Talks at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to include: Irish Travellers Culture and Health Programme, Men's Sheds, a grassroots organization designed to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older men/Aging and wellbeing initiatives like Healthy Ireland, Maternal/Childhood/Young Adult policies that support wellbeing, such as parental leave policies and how those compare to the U.S., Community Development and Sustainability will also be highlighted. 

Day 3: Students will visit two Men’s Sheds in Limerick today. St. Mary’s Men’s Shed is in downtown Limerick City where the men enjoy woodworking and playing music together. At the Dooradoyle Raheen Men’s Shed, we will meet with the men who tell us about how they started their shed and the activities they engage in and the benefits they receive from participating. Ireland has more than 450 sheds throughout the country. Men’s Sheds provide a gathering place for men to meet together, socialize, and enjoy one another’s company. The idea behind sheds is that “men talk better shoulder to shoulder rather than face to face” and are more likely to open up to one another while working alongside each other on activities such as gardening, woodwork, or other agreed upon activities.

Day 4: Student free day in Limerick. Limerick City has many interesting sites to explore including King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Hunt Museum where students can explore their own interests within Irish culture.

Day 5:Group tour to the Burren Perfumery; McKernan Woolen mills; Killary Sheep Farm in Leenaun; These businesses will feature conversations about how businesses or community initiatives can support creativity, culture, and overall wellbeing in Ireland. Today provides an opportunity to learn about family owned businesses and how they are supported in Ireland and gives students an opportunity to purchase handmade Irish goods. Students will return to Galway for the evening.

Day 6: Student free day in Galway. Galway is very walkable and students should take time to visit the Latin Quarter with local shops and eateries where you are almost sure to hear some street music being played by locals. Take a walk around the Salthill Promenade for a beautiful view of the Galway bay. Alternatively, students could take a day trip via bus to the Cliffs of Moher to experience one of Ireland’s most spectacular outdoor sites.

Day 7: Students will experience Irish railway by taking a train to Dublin. In Dublin, we will visit to the Irish Emigration Museum to learn more about Irish culture, design, and influence. Afterwards we will take the Jeanie Johnson Famine Tour where we will learn about one girl’s struggles during the Irish Potato Famine. We will end the day with a group dinner and traditional Irish dance and music.

Day 8: Students have a free day to explore their interests in Dublin. Students may consider participating in a guided tour or visiting other historical sites and landmarks such as the Dublin Castle, Book of Kells, Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, or the National Museum of Ireland.

Day 9: As we near the end of our trip, we will take a tour of Glasnevin cemetery and learn about similarities and differences in how Americans and Irish individuals cope with death. 

Day 10: Departure; group travels to airport on their own via public transportation.

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Ireland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way. 

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Ireland

Students will stay in hotels arranged by the Study Abroad Center while abroad. The cost of these hotels are included in the “Program Cost” line item of the program cost estimate. A few meals are built into the “Program Cost” (example: all breakfasts at hotels and 2 additional group meals in Ireland). Students will pay for the remaining meals out-of-pocket while traveling and are encouraged to try the local foods. 

Part of the course will be based on UNI's campus. While on campus, students will arrange their own housing and meals. The cost of housing and meals while participating in the on-campus component is NOT factored in the program's cost estimate.