Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

The Summer Institute Program at UL is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my 15+ years of post-secondary studies.

I’m not necessarily the typical student who attends this program. I’m an elder millennial lecturer (professor) from Canada, teaching within the field of Critical Studies in Early Childhood Education and Care with a focus on Anti-colonial curriculum.

Part of my role as a lecturer is to partake in professional development opportunities that enrich myself and my teaching practices, which in turn brings more breadth, depth, and diverse ways of knowing and being back to the college and my classrooms.

When I came across the possibility to take part in the UL Summer Institute, I was over the moon. Not only did the Irish Life and Literature module speak to my interests and work in education but being Irish (raised in Canada) it was an exciting way to re-connect with my culture.

After applying and being accepted, the administration team was very thorough in preparing us students for planning, packing, and arriving. We were warmly greeted at Shannon Airport by the guides and promptly taken to the dorms at Thomond Village. Our accommodations were very comfortable and have the perfect balance of private rooms with washrooms while providing a common kitchen and family room area for socializing.
The program offerings are very thoughtful and all the planned evening events like Trad nights (learning Irish dance, music, language), and GAA (learning hurley and Irish soccer), for example, were so much fun! They were a great way to engage more hands on with Irish life, culture, and even history as well as the perfect way to meet and form friendships with all the other students and guides.

The day trips into Dublin, Galway, and The Cliffs of Moher, to name a few, were the cherry on top! It was awesome to get to explore so many corners of Ireland while also continuing to enrich our learning and immersion into everyday Ireland.

From enrollment and airport pickup to the classes and excursions, the program really has thought of it all!

I am forever changed and grateful for this experience and cannot recommend it enough. I could go on writing more about how wonderful the UL Summer Institute Program is, but I don’t think anyone has enough time for that!
If you’re thinking about applying, don’t hesitate. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity (for more than just college students) that you do not want to miss.

Sending a lifetime of thank yous to the administration, guides, lecturers, and everyone else supporting and working for the success of this program!

Sincerely,
Courtney.