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Innovation in Ireland

Program Information | Costs | Orientation | Contact

Apply now!

Know the following program information, which you will provide on the online application: 

Country: Ireland
Program Name: Innovation in Ireland

Early application is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete applications include an essay and unofficial transcript. A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Program Information

• Examine how innovation has shaped Ireland and its people over the course of thousands of years and continues to flourish today.
  
• Explore how innovation occurs within an Irish company through an individual course project.
  
• Attend presentations and participate in tours with organizations such as Google, PepsiCo Ireland and the Galway Clinic.
  
• Visit historic, scenic and cultural locations: hike the mountainous landscape of Connemara National Park; board a boat for a cruise through the fjord of Killary Harbour; walk along the Cliffs of Moher to see stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean; experience traditional music and dance at Cnoc Suain; tour Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, an important monument of the struggle for Irish independence; and bicycle past ancient artifacts, villages and forts while exploring the Aran Islands.

Theexperience begins with preparation and reading about the country, history and culture of Ireland as well as foundation material in innovation and entrepreneurship literature. At least four class sessions will take place during spring semester, in addition to pre-departure orientation. Sessions are scheduled at dates and times available to all participants.

Upon arrival in Ireland, travel back in time 4,000 years to World Heritage sites in the Valley of the Boyne. Experience the world of the ancient Irish that built incredible structures for solstices and rituals.

Visit many Irish communities, including Dublin, Galway and Cork.

• Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is an historic and contemporary center of culture, arts, education, politics, economy and industry.  Many international organizations have offices in Dublin.  The city is a major tourist destination with sports, music, theater, arts and a vibrant night-life. Visit historic sites that resonate with the sacrifices of those that founded the Republic of Ireland.

• Galway, the fastest growing city in Ireland, is considered the “capital” of western Ireland and an economy invested in manufacturing, tourism, retail, education, healthcare and finance.  Galway is known as a festival city celebrating everything from art to oysters, to various races—boating, marathons and horses.

• Cork boasts one of the world's largest natural harbors, making the city a major seaport with a wide range of industries.  Cork is home to more than 134 international companies, including Apple’s European headquarters. Experience the vast history of this city through a visit to the Cobh Emigration Center Museum where many an Irish "wake" was held for those leaving the country.

Attend lectures by Irish faculty members at the National University of Ireland in Galway and the University College Cork. Spend time at Google, learning how the multi-national corporation fosters continuous innovation. Visit the Galway Clinic, which was developed to provide the community with access to state of the art medical care.

Earn 3 credits in FST 4295, IntB 4211 Innovation in Ireland, which is approved for:

• Category B elective for Organization Management, Marketing, and Health Care Management majors
• Category B3 elective for Human Resources major
• Category C elective for Finance and MIS majors
• Upper division international elective
• Liberal Education Global Perspectives
• Graduate credit for qualified students

Students will complete a project on innovation at an Irish company of interest. Conduct research on a company before arrival and while in Ireland, including interviewing at least one person from the company. Integrate knowledge about innovation, entrepreneurship and Ireland in the context of an Irish company.

For course topics and more information, visit the program leader's website.

Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least six months after their return to the United States.

Costs
Estimated program costs can be found here.

A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application. 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.

Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are also study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.

Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid, classwork and travel tips. A general study abroad handbook will be emailed prior to departure.

Familiarize yourself on financing, health and safety and policies to consider when studying abroad.

Contact
Contact the program leaders, Linda Rochford or Pat Borchert for program or itinerary questions. For application or registration questions, contact Arianna Austin in the International Education Office.