Dublin, Ireland

IFSA Summer in Dublin

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IFSA Summer in Dublin

Program Overview

DESIGN THE ULTIMATE IRISH EXPERIENCE IN THE VIBRANT CAPITAL CITY

Looking for the ideal time to explore lively Dublin? This is it! And with topics that include sustainability, psychology, civil rights, literature, and more, this program gives you the flexibility to explore Irish culture through a lens that fascinates you.

Take advantage of opportunities to get to know the city’s traditions and history, and explore icons such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and the Ring of Kerry in ways that tourists miss—all included in your program fee.

This is an exclusive IFSA-Designed Program. Learn more about these affordable programs.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: April 1

Minimum GPA

2.00

Credit load

3–12

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Instruction language

English

Language prerequisites

None

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn more.

Apply Now

Academics

This program offers two six-week sessions, with classes Monday through Thursday. Students take one or two classes per session, for up to 6 credits. Enroll in Session 1 or Session 2, or enroll in both sessions for a complete 12-week experience.

Choose from unique classes that highlight Irish history and culture, not typically available at Dublin universities.

Civil Rights in Ireland
Through guest speakers, community engagement, and site visits, this course explores the history, development, and impact of civil rights movements in Ireland, with a focus on both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Students will examine key events, figures, and legislation that have shaped civil rights in Ireland, the interrelation with other international movements for civil rights, and analyze the ongoing challenges and advancements in this field (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

Business Applications of Engineering
This course examines the intersection of engineering principles and business strategy. Students will apply systems thinking to real-world business challenges involving product design, operations, and supply chain management. Emphasis is placed on analyzing technical feasibility, evaluating cost structures, and designing scalable solutions within a business context. Case studies and collaborative projects enable students to develop and communicate integrated engineering-business approaches (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

Sustainability and Energy Production
This course explores the technical, environmental, and economic dimensions of energy production in the context of sustainability. Students will analyze various energy systems—including fossil fuels, renewables, and transitional technologies—through life cycle assessment and policy frameworks. The course challenges students to evaluate trade-offs and design energy strategies that support sustainable development goals. Applied research and scenario planning are used to develop practical energy solutions (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

Modern Irish Literature
This course analyzes major works of Irish literature from the early 20th century to the present, with a focus on how writers engage with political, cultural, and social change. Students will interpret literary texts through critical frameworks, comparing authors’ responses to themes such as identity, conflict, and modernity. The course emphasizes textual analysis, evidence-based argumentation, and the evaluation of historical and cultural influences on literary production (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

Tourism and Traditions
This course investigates the role of tourism in shaping, preserving, and transforming cultural traditions. Students will analyze tourism practices in various global and local contexts, examining their impacts on identity, heritage, and economic development. Through case studies and applied research, students will evaluate the ethical and sustainability considerations of tourism initiatives (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

Psychology of Ireland
This course applies psychological theories and methods to examine key aspects of Irish society and culture. Students will analyze topics such as national identity, collective memory, trauma, and community resilience in the context of Ireland’s historical and contemporary experiences. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of psychological literature and encourages students to compare Irish case studies with global perspectives (3 U.S. semester credit hours).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter

Not required.

TRANSCRIPT

Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below is a selection of activities and excursions from previous sessions; options may vary for your program. We cannot guarantee specific activities or excursions will be available for your session or program.

Cultural Activities:

Traditional Irish Music. Experience live folk music in a cozy Dublin pub.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Explore a historic university, home of Ireland’s most famous manuscript.
Literary Walking Tour. Follow in the footsteps of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and other literary greats.
Phoenix Park Picnic and Bike Ride. Explore one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks.
Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty Library. Dive into Irish history and global art collections.
IFSA Game Night or Pub Quiz. Join friendly competition and share laughs with new friends.

Excursions:

Your program will include one of the following:

Malahide Castle and Gardens. A picturesque castle near the coast.
Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay. Iconic cliffs and charming west coast towns.
Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Mile. A charming town with fascinating history and artisan shops.
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains. Scenic hikes and monastic ruins in what’s known as the Garden of Ireland.
Belfast and Giant’s Causeway. Political history, Titanic Museum, and natural wonders in Northern Island.
Ring of Kerry. One of Ireland’s most scenic drives.
Galway and Aran Islands. Scenic west coast, Irish traditions, island life.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

Students live in furnished apartments (flats), selected by IFSA, with IFSA students as flatmates.

Living space: Each flat contains single bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom.
Bedrooms include a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and light for each student.
Comfortable space to cook, eat, socialize, and study either in your flat or in convenient common areas.
Linens, except for towels, are typically provided.
Meals: There is no meal plan. Students purchase their own meals or cook in shared kitchen spaces (most are fully equipped; if not, kitchenware is easy to purchase nearby). Flatmates say cooking and eating together is a fun, social part of their day.
Commute: Varies. Expect a 30-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride to the city center and most activities.

Sample Housing

Explore Highlight Thomas Street, one housing option, to see what your Dublin home might be like:

Location: The Liberties neighborhood in Dublin 8, one of the city’s most historic and vibrant neighborhoods. Steps from the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, this area blends centuries-old charm with modern conveniences. There’s a supermarket and pharmacy around the corner.
Commute: A 20- to 25-minute walk to IFSA classes. Bus transport is also an option.
Single rooms: Rooms are available in shared apartments with private en-suite bathrooms. Each room includes a double bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and ample storage. Shared kitchens are fully equipped with modern appliances. All utilities included, including Wi-Fi and contents insurance.
Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare meals in shared kitchens or purchase meals onsite or nearby.
Other details: 24/7 security, CCTV, secure door entry, on-site staff, laundry facilities, bike storage, a vibrant student community
Nearby: Weaver Park and St. Patrick’s Park. Jervis Shopping Centre. Artisan cafés, vintage shops, and galleries. National College of Art and Design (2-minute walk). Trinity College (25-minute walk).