International and Comparative Education: Ireland

Academic Course

POSTSEC 7389: International and Comparative Education: Ireland

Dates & Deadlines

App Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025
Program Dates: Tuesday, June 2nd - Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (Dates tentative)

Schedule a Meeting

To get started, click the link below to schedule a meeting with an advisor. During this meeting, we will go over important information regarding academics, day-by-day itinerary, housing, costs, scholarships, and answer any questions you may have at this time.

Schedule a First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the winter of 2027 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open.

Faculty-led Program Waitlist

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

It’s neat being able to understand the higher education system in different parts of the world, and Ireland was a good choice to see how structure and support services at European universities differ than the United States. For a master’s-level program, this is a great opportunity to gain real-world experiences of understanding education in different parts of the world.

Past Participant

Course Leader

Shelley Price-Williams, PhD, Associate Professor

Department: Learning, Leading, and Community Studies
Phone: 319-273-6789
E-mail: shelley.price-williams@uni.edu
Campus Address: WRC 211

I am so excited to lead this travel study to learn about higher education in Ireland for the second time! Personally, I have completed similar travel studies to learn about higher education in Spain and Ecuador. I have also traveled to numerous Caribbean and European countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and the Netherlands. On my journeys, I love to learn about educational structures, food, language, and culture. I am looking forward to this trip because we will take a counter-clockwise journey beginning in Dublin to visit universities in other cities in the country, exposing each of us to new institutional settings and structures, places to see, and things to do.

Academics

POSTSEC 7389: Seminar in Post Secondary Education

In this course, graduate students will engage in an international study of education with an overseas experience. Course topics include contemporary issues and debates in comparative education, the administration of higher education, the practice of student affairs, as well as study of the history, culture, and politics of Ireland.

Course Prerequisites: Must be a graduate student in degree-seeking standing or unclassified

Participation in this program requires several class meetings throughout the spring semester, although participants will be enrolled into 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.

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.

Program Activities

Dive into Irish academic life and cultural exploration on this summer study abroad program. Students will connect with professionals at higher education institutions to learn about the Irish higher education structure, how they support college student success, and how these institutions address similar challenges and opportunities as their counterparts in the United States. Alongside engaging class meetings and presentations, participants enjoy guided tours of iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College’s Book of Kells. From history and heritage to stunning landscapes and lively city streets, this program offers an enriching blend of education, discovery, and unforgettable experiences across Ireland.

Studying abroad offers rich cultural immersion, but it may also involve unfamiliar sensory experiences. You might encounter new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and environmental conditions that differ significantly from what you're used to. These can be exciting but also overwhelming for some individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities. We encourage all participants to approach these experiences with curiosity and adaptability. If you have sensory sensitivities or specific concerns, please reach out to program staff.

Housing & Meals

Students will reside in apartment-style accommodations or shared hotel rooms arranged by the Study Abroad Center and paid before departure. Students should expect to share their living space with other UNI program participants. Breakfast will be paid out of pocket. There will be nearby options for purchasing breakfast or students can purchase groceries. Only a few meals abroad are included in the program cost. Students are encouraged to try the local foods.

Health & Wellbeing

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

Review your destination-specific health risks
Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
Provide guidance on food and water safety
Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Important Information to Review

A faculty-led study abroad program combines academic learning with cultural immersion, guided by university faculty. Students earn credit through hands-on experiences and site visits tailored to the destination. The program fosters a strong sense of community through shared housing, group activities, and cultural events, creating lasting bonds among participants. This type of program has limited individual free time and days will be spent primarily with other group members. If you are interested in a more individualized program experience, we encourage you to check out our partner university summer school opportunities.

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.

Meet Your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Scotland, 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.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements

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

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $6,531 - $6,931

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Total Program Cost	$6,576 - $6,976
Estimated U-bill charges	$4,766 - $4,966
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$1,765 - $1,965

Ireland 2026 Cost Sheet (PDF)

Click here for additional scholarships for your program

What's Included

Tuition and Fees

Pre-Departure Advising

Housing and Meals

Travel Health Insurance

‌Program Activities

Transportation

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.