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Cultural Immersion Experience in Northern Ireland
Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next? | Photos | Helpful Links
| PROGRAM TERMS | May Session 2010 |
| PROGRAM DATES | Tentative May 17-31, 2010 |
| CLASS STANDING | Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
| DEADLINE TO APPLY |
December 4, 2009 |
| FEES | Approximately $3,300 |
| FINANCIAL AID | Yes |
| GPA | 2.5 |
| LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION |
English |
Program Information
Students participating in the May session program in Northern Ireland will explore Ireland from varied perspectives: the culture, educational, political, and economic systems. Students will spend approximately 35 hours in an early childhood or early primary classroom setting. Students earn 3 credits of FORS 4000: Northern Ireland: Cultural Immersion Experience.
Northern Ireland is a country which is part of the United Kingdom which is situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. It shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west. At the time of the 2001 UK Census, its population was 1,685,000, constituting between a quarter and a third of the island's total population and about 3% of the population of the UK.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the seat of devolved government and legislative assembly in Northern Ireland. It is the largest urban area in the province of Ulster, and the second largest city on the island of Ireland. The City of Belfast has a population of 276,459, and lies at the heart of Metropolitan Belfast, which has a population of 800,000. Belfast was granted city status in 1888.
Dublin is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the center of the Dublin Region. Founded as a Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's primary city for most of the island's history since medieval times. Today, it is an economic, administrative and cultural Centrex for the island of Ireland and has one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city.
Courses Available
Students will complete FORS 4000: Northern Ireland: Cultural Immersion Experience, which is a 3 credit course. Participants will also learn about Irish culture through fieldtrips and guided city tours.
Eligibility
Participants must be education majors (UECH, ElEd and Sec Ed and CSD). Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least 6 months after their return to the U.S. Students also should be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Costs
The program package cost is approximately $3,300. A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account and a deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable
The program package includes:
- Tuition for 3-credit course
- Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Accommodation in Newcastle, Northern Ireland
- Field trips to Giant's Causeway, Castle Ruins, Viking Museum, Belfast, Knowlth, and Dublin
- Cultural Insurance Services International health insurance
Students are responsible for the cost of meals. Participant living arrangements include a kitchenette. The estimated daily meal expense is approximately $15-$20 a day. Other items not included are the cost of obtaining a passport and personal spending money. It is recommended that all participants bring additional money for personal and miscellaneous expenses.
Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.
Deadlines & Dates
The registration deadline is December 4, 2009. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tentative program dates are May 17-31, 2010.
Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid information, international insurance, class work, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.
Accommodations in Northern Ireland will be in self catering cottages in Newcastle, located south of Belfast.
What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO website also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, the UMD study abroad application may be downloaded from the IEO website. Please complete the application with required accompanying materials and return it to IEO.
Contact Molly Minkkinen or Kim Riordan for program questions. For application/registration and location questions, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu.
