Program Location
The medieval city of Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland is located in central Ireland. Situated in the heart of Ireland astride the River Shannon, the city is rich in culture and history.
Contact the Program Director
Dr. Barry Vaughan
Philosophy & Religious Studies Department
P: 480-461-7620
Office: BP 43A - 44
barry.vaughan@mesacc.edu
June 7-July 5, 2025
Spend summer school in Ireland and see for yourself why the country is nicknamed the Emerald Island!
Held on the campus of Technological University of the Shannon, located in picturesque Athlone, Co. Westmeath, you will spend a full month immersing in the study of Irish culture and history while exploring and experiencing the rich and diverse heritage of Ireland. Using Athlone as a home base, participants will make field trips to locations such as the prehistorical monuments at Loughcrew and the Hill of Uisneach, the early Medieval monastic city of Clonmacnoise and the Norman castles of Dunamase and Trim, and the 18th Century great house, Emo Court.
You will also spend several days in Galway, Ireland's Cultural Heart, visiting the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and the island of Inis Mor, as well as a day-trip to Dublin City. Your Irish adventure will be a learning experience you will never forget!
Cultural Excursions
- Cliffs of Moher (Ireland's most scenic location)
- Clonmacnoise (6th Century Monastery)
- Dublin City
- Dunamase Castle (Fortress of Strongbow)
- Emo Court (18th Century Palladian Style Manor)
- Galway City - 3 nights in Ireland's Cultural Heart
- Hill of Uisneach (sacred Iron Age site)
- Inis Mor (largest of the Aran Islands)
- Loughcrew (5ooo year old passage tombs)
- Trim Castle (Normal Castle of Hugh de Lacy)
- The Burren National Park (one of the most unique ecosystems in the world)
Summer Courses You Will Take During Program
- 6 credit program - Registration for courses will begin in March 2025.
- REL250 Religion in Ireland: Neolithic to Early Medieval (3 cr) [HU, H]
- Instructor: Dr. Barry Vaughan
- STO290 The Irish Storytelling Tradition (3 cr) [G]
- Instructor: TBA
- Mandatory study abroad orientation on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 9 am - 2 pm at MCC.
Photo Gallery
Detailed Information
Ireland Program Details
- Study Abroad Ireland is held on the campus of Technological University of the Shannon located in picturesque Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.
- Participants will be housed in the Croi Oige Student Village apartments conveniently located across from AIT's campus. Each 4-bedroom apartment is fully furnished and comes equipped with TV, iron and ironing boards, oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, electric kettle, all kitchen utensils, and bedding. Each bedroom comes with a study/computer desk and is internet ready with high speed internet access.
- Modern Athlone is a center of industry and education and home to one of Ireland's major institutes of technology. Because of its central location (between Dublin and Galway) it is a transportation hub by road and rail, and makes access to the rest of Ireland convenient.
Did You Know??
- Ireland is home to Newgrange, an ancient stone-and-earth burial site that is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids.
- At least one million people died in five years in Ireland during the great potato famine of the 1840s.
- Ireland did not legalize divorce until 1997.
- Ireland is nicknamed the Emerald Island because of its expansive lush, green fields.
- Currency used is the euro (sign: €; code: EUR).
- Read more detailed cultural information on Ireland provided by CultureGrams™ Ireland (2024). CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest.
- Diversity Abroad Ireland Destination Guide
Estimated Program Costs & Deadlines
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
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Program Fee |
$1,969 |
Program Fee Due: March 21, 2025 $250 Confirmation Deposit Due (towards total program fee): upon acceptance Confirmation deposit is non-refundable after the program fee payment deadline. |
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Registration Fee Tuition: 6 credits |
$ 15 $ 582 |
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| Airfare (estimated cost) | $1,600 |
Your program director will provide you with instructions on purchasing airfare for your program. Only after you have received these instructions should you purchase airfare. |
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Meals Meals are NOT included in program fee |
$1,200 | Not needed until you land in Ireland! |
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Transportation CityLink rail from Dublin airport to Athlone and back |
$ 33 | Not needed until you land in Ireland! |
| TOTAL Estimated Costs | $5,399 | (program fee, tuition, airfare and meals) |
| ADDITIONAL COSTS | ||
| Insurance for Participants 60+ Years of Age | $3.56 per day | The program fee includes secondary insurance for participants ages 18-59. There is an additional insurance charge of $3.56 per day for students 60 years and over. |
| Textbooks | Approx. $50 | |
Passport
Passport Info HereYour passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your return to the USA. |
$165/130 (new/renewal) |
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Program Application Deadline Space is limited. Apply early to reserve your place! If program reaches full capacity, you will be put on a waitlist. |
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Scholarships and Funding Your Program
| Title | Date(s) | More Information |
|---|---|---|
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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Students MUST apply through the college they are receiving financial aid from (even if taking program classes from MCC). |
Maximum Award: $5,000 October Application Deadline October 10, 2024 Application is now OPEN! March Application Deadline Come learn how to write essays for the Gilman International Scholarship! Wed., September 11, 2024 2-3 pm |
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Maximum Award: $5,000 October Application Deadline October 10, 2024 Application cycle is now OPEN! January Application Deadline TBA |
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