International Programs / Study Abroad

Ireland (SNL)

*NOT RUNNING FALL 2010*

 

 

Ireland: Arts, Land, and People

This travel-study course brings students to one of Ireland’s most scenic regions, as well as one of the nation's most renowned arts festivals. Here, both graduate and undergraduate students can explore ways in which cultural identity is expressed and supported by the arts, as well as how land and landscape impact culture and artistic expression.

 

The most traditional of Ireland’s four traditional provinces is Connaught, the farthest west region of the island; its most traditional region is Connemara, the peninsula that juts out between Galway City and Westport, County Mayo.  There, dispossessed Gaelic-speaking Irish were driven during centuries of English domination, meeting an established and fiercely independent ancient culture that used the rugged mountains as a shield against invaders.  Still one of Ireland’s most wildly scenic areas, Connemara is also home to many of the land’s most renowned traditional artists and musicians. 

 

Approximately four hours by road from Shannon Airport, the small city of Clifden is often called “the capital of Connemara.”   A market town situated on an protected ocean harbor, Clifden is Connemara’s largest town—but still only has 2000 permanent residents.  Although tiny, Clifden is a highly sophisticated town, for it serves as a major tourist destination for tens of thousands of European visitors every year.  High-quality restaurants and world culture combine with a friendly, small-town atmosphere to make Clifden a unique destination for the American traveler. 

 

Clifden's largest festival, Clifden Arts Week, is internationally renowned as a venue for the most impressive traditional and contemporary Irish culture.  Some twenty events each day offer a potpourri of possibilities ranging from stand-up comedy to orchestral music, from traditional dancing to sculptural installations, from poetry readings to lectures on local history.  Although the focus is on Irish culture, artists from another country in the Eurozone as well as a non-European culture are featured each year; these have included African drummers, Polish singers, and Brazilian musicians.  Clifden’s small size means that the artists are accessible to students for interviews and personal discussion throughout their visit.


The class has been offered annually since 2005.  Enrollment is limited to 15, and all spaces have been filled by early summer, so early enrollment is suggested.  Students can earn either three or four competences.  Those taking Externship AND Advanced Electives together can earn four competences; other students take some combination of three competences (which can include up to one FX competence) by negotiation with the instructor.  

 

Courses   

 

The program will be led by Patricia Monaghan, Resident Faculty and Associate Professor at SNL, and Michael McDermott, Chicago public-sectory physician, asthma specialist (Stroger Hospital) and environmentalist with a specialty in organic gardening and prarie restoration.  Patricia Monaghan, who leads the course, has published a number of books on Irish mythology and literature, is a widely-published poet on both sides of the Atlantic, and is a winner of the prestigious Pushcart Prize for literature.  Michael McDermott will especially focus on environmental issues impacting the west of Ireland, as well as topics of health care and other scientific issues.  

 

This program is available to both graduate and undergraduate students.  Students may register for up to four competences. Four competences are available to students who have taken Research Seminar and who enroll for Externship and Advanced Elective (together).  Students may also enroll in Externship OR Advanced Electives plus one other competences, selection by negotiation with the instructor.  These may include one FX competence, but cannot include A-4, H-4, or S-5.  Finally, students may take three competences by negotiation (again, these cannot include A-4, H-4 or S-5).

 

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

 

Living Arrangements   

 

Students will be housed at the Dun Ri Guest guest house in downtown Clifden in double-occupancy rooms.  See http://www.connemara.net/dun-ri/ for more information.  Full Irish breakfast will be provided daily.

 

Expenses   

   

For updated information on specific program expenses, click here:

 

 

The program fee covers all land expenses, which include hotel accommodations with breakfast, local transportation, tours, some meals, all admissions to Arts Week activities, and special daily lectures. Financial aid is available.

 

Participants book their own flights to and from Ireland; this permits them to extend their stay after the tour ends.  Students may travel from any airport, American or international, so long as they are in Ireland by 11 am on Thursday, September 17. Airfare can range from approximately $550 if booked early and as much as $1200 if booked at the last minute, so early booking is encouraged.  DePaul is not responsible for participants whose late bookings result in higher than expected costs.  Additional costs, not covered by the tour fee, include lunches and dinners.  These can vary depending on student taste and health requirements; a well-stocked supermarket a short walk from the guest house provides the option of living at less than $30/day on carry-out food.  Restaurants range from $7 for pub-grub to $95 for fine dining with wine.  Also not covered: souvenirs; health insurance if necessary; tips and incidentals. 

 

Participants must have passports for travel to Ireland, but visas are not required; passports take several months, so students are urged to get passports in order as soon as possible.  Applying for passport after mid-July might jeopardize travel.  Participants are required by university regulations to purchase travel insurance; they are also encouraged to check their health insurance plan to make sure that they are covered during travel. 

 

Application       

 

To participate in this program, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA. To apply to this DePaul Study Abroad Program, students must submit the following:

 

    • A completed DePaul Study Abroad Program application form

    • Two (2) recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work.

    • A copy of the DePaul Unofficial Transcript.  This may be found on Campus Connect in the Students section under Records and Registration.

    • A digital photo uploaded into the application.

 

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 243 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604-2287.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15 

Download Application*

 *Due to changes in our program offerings this year, your study abroad program of interest may not be included in the drop-down menu of our online application.  If this is the case, please type/handwrite the name of your program on the first page of the application form instead.