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Ireland & Northern Ireland

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Accommodations and Accessibility

The IFSA team is ready to help you plan for various accommodations you might need abroad. We’re here to support you and help you prepare for a successful study abroad experience.    

Early planning is key. First, it’s important to know that options for accommodations vary by country, city, and university. This makes it important to share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early in the planning process. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.  

The information you share on your health and wellness and housing forms supports this process. After receiving these forms, our Health and Wellness team will follow up as needed to help you arrange accommodations you may need. Our goal is to plan carefully with your help, working with our Ireland team as needed.   

Academic accommodation. Most universities offer services to ensure students who need support can fully participate in classes and university life. Accommodations might vary depending on the program you choose and might also be different than what you’re used to at your home university. European universities require students to request services directly—our team can help you navigate this process. You might be required to meet with on-campus service providers assessment, and it’s important to have documentation from your home university that shows you have accommodations in place. When you arrive and begin classes, it’s a good idea to talk with your professors about your needs.  

Mobility. Society’s attitudes about the need for accessibility accommodations are ahead of government policy, and disability support services have long been underfunded. Service animals, for example, are not typically welcome on campus, and students might need to cover the cost of note-takers and ASL interpreters. Most new buildings and infrastructure follow regulations for access, but older buildings and streets can be difficult to navigate for those with movement or sight impairment because of uneven sidewalks, cobblestone surfaces, and lack of alternatives to stairs. It’s best to research the areas and programs you are most interested in in advance and contact us with questions to ensure proper accommodations can be made. 

Dublin is a very accessible city for people with disabilities. Sidewalks tend to have curb cuts and the bus system is chair-friendly. Galway is a city with older architecture which can be limiting. Belfast has a variety of accessible sights. Cork and Limerick have a variety of accommodations. Most public transits across Ireland can provide accommodations on request, though some city buses accommodate just one wheelchair. Additional concerns include finding accessible bathrooms in small pubs, restaurants, and boutiques and the amount of pedestrian traffic on walkways. Plan excursions ahead of time and research accommodations to see what’s available. Again, we’re happy to help.  

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Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining your mental and physical health while abroad is a priority, and we’re ready to help you plan to support both. We’re here to help you work with CISI insurance to find local health care abroad, as well as to create a plan for your specific needs. Early planning is key, so don’t hesitate to work with our Health and Wellness team early in the application process and ask for guidance from your Enrollment Counselor. Please share your needs on our health and housing forms, so we can follow up.   

Be aware that services in Ireland and North Ireland are typically over-subscribed, making for long waits for appointments. This is true for mental health appointments, too. It’s nearly impossible to access psychiatry as a visiting student, but we can work with you and CISI insurance to arrange as much support as possible before you depart. CISI offers extensive coverage that includes mental health services and pre-existing conditions.  

Sports and fitness. Whether you want to join a club team or walk local trails, there are plenty of options. Each university has facilities and clubs; some require membership or charge a participation fee. 

The following universities welcome study abroad students to join club sports, regardless of ability: Limerick, Trinity, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, Stranmillis University College, Ulster University, and Queen’s University Belfast. Many club sports organize weekend trips, offering a great way to make friends and experience Irish culture.  

Check with the IFSA team about CISI insurance coverage for injuries sustained during sports. Coverage is generally broad but there are exceptions for high-level competition. 

Irish people are passionate about sport, especially their national sports: hurling, soccer (football), Gaelic football, and rugby, which have huge fan bases. On game days, people often gather in a pub or at home to cheer on their favorite teams.  

Visit your university website or ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for details about the fitness, athletic, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the programs you’re interested in. 

Eating healthy. Sticking to a healthy diet can be difficult when you move to a different country. Many students find it helps to cook with friends. In Ireland, dining is a social activity.  

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Faith Communities

Studying abroad will likely expose you to new religions and faith communities around the world. If you plan to practice your religion abroad, consider researching the religious diversity, customs, laws and places of worship in your host country and campus.  

Most universities have a student union where you can find faith-based and other student organizations can be found. Campuses typically also have prayer rooms, multi-faith chaplaincies, and other services. 

Post-independence Ireland was shaped by the Catholic church, but it’s power and influence has decreased dramatically. In Northern Ireland, nearly 80% of citizens identify as Christian, with a split between Protestant and Catholic affiliation. The number that identify as “not religious” doubled from 2011 to 2021. Most Irish citizens do not actively practice any religion, but may identify with either the Roman Catholic church or the Church of Ireland. There are no restrictions on religious freedom in Ireland, nor on the wearing of religious dress.  

You can manage religious dietary requirements by planning and shopping at places that specialize in kosher or halal products (usually near places of worship); these products may be less available in supermarkets. Kosher and Halal food is available in larger markets in the UK and Ireland and are often labeled. Non-Catholic might be challenged finding places of worship beyond the Dublin area. We’re happy to provide resources. 

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Considerations for Women

Roles and expectations for men and women in Irish society have largely converged and there is a growing trans community here. Still, there is a significant gender pay gap. Women have increasing but unequal representation in senior management positions across many industries and are underrepresented generally in STEM and business. Recently, schools have begun to tackle masculine “lad culture.” Conversations are happening about root of masculinity in Ireland and the fallout of lad culture as it relates to mental health. There is a growing gender gap in the college completion rate, with about 10% more women completing degrees than men.  

Safety. By world standards, Ireland is considered relatively safe. Violent crime is low, and firearms ranging from guns to pepper spray are strictly regulated (pepper spray and mace are considered offensive weapons). The most common crime is petty theft, and tourists are common targets. IFSA will provide tips on maintaining personal safety in the UK. 

Dress. Overall, dress in Ireland is slightly more formal than in the U.S., and shorts are uncommon. Dress is still more conservative when visiting religious sites. There have been recent movements to reduce sexist dress code requirements, such as requiring women to wear high heels or makeup to work. Pro tip: Pants refers to underwear here. Use trousers to avoid embarrassing confusion! 

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Race and Ethnicity

While Dublin, Belfast, and other major urban areas are more ethnically, culturally, and financially diverse than smaller towns in Ireland and the UK, Irish people like to see themselves as welcoming to visitors and tend to view racism as a problem that occurs elsewhere. Ireland has historically viewed itself as disrespected by colonial powers. Ireland’s only indigenous, ethnic, underrepresented group are nomads known as Irish travelers. 

Some students have reported experiencing microaggressions and other challenging experiences. As an American, you might also experience othering related to your status as an American, despite your race or ethnicity. Sometimes students are mistakenly singled out as American, even if they’re from other countries and attending college in the U.S. The IFSA resident team is always available to support you. Just reach out anytime. 

Studying abroad as a heritage seeker can be a complex journey that brings expected and surprising experiences and emotions. It can be fulfilling to find community and cultural connection in your country of ancestry. Many Irish people have family and friends in the U.S., and most Irish believe they know a lot about life in the U.S. If you’re exploring your Irish heritage, you’re likely to find interest and support, especially if you have an Irish last name.  

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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Expect Irish people to generally be welcoming and respectful of gender identity. Older people may not use personal pronouns, but this is typically out of habit, not aggression. Between Northern Ireland and Ireland, there are subtle differences in the culture regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Northern Ireland leans more conservative, and there may be more discrimination, but not to the point where there are safety concerns. Irish legislation is among the most progressive in the world, stating that those over 18 be recognized as their self-identified gender. 

Awareness and acceptance of non-binary identities in Ireland is growing. The Irish state allows people to declare their preferred gender and receive recognition, though this does not extend to non-binary persons or persons of X gender marker. Regardless, people identifying as non-binary or with an X gender marker passport are unlikely to encounter discrimination or harassment. Many legal and governmental documents and forms present only gender binary options. 

Ireland was the first country to legalize gay marriage by a popular vote. In 2018, Ireland elected Leo Varadkar, an openly gay Prime Minister. Ireland has a colorful gay scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and cafes around the country. 

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More Support

From help managing money abroad to supporting first-generation college students, our professional advising staff and onsite teams are here for you. On a budget? Ask your UK-based IFSA team for a list of free and more affordable activities.  


Student Perspectives

Read about living and learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland: Student Stories.