IFSA: Study Abroad Programs in Ireland

I studied in Dublin in 2014 at Trinity College Dublin. The people I met and the experiences I had were probably some of the best in my life. The culture and people are not only amazing and friendly but they have a lot more to share. Some may think that it will be tough to live in a different country for an extended period of time but the IFSA staff in Dublin was extraordinary. They all are so welcoming and I usually found myself hanging around their office when I had work to do or was just bored. Four months may seem like a long time in a foreign country but there is so much to do and see I couldn't even do it all. I will surely be back, hopefully soon!

Studying abroad in Dublin with IFSA Butler was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to explore a new country, learn more about it's culture, customs, and people, and make friendships with people from all over the world. Ireland is truly one of the best countries I've been too with a great culture, beautiful landscape, and the some of the friendliest people I've ever met.
Aside from the country itself, the IFSA staff was extremely welcoming and friendly. They did their best to get to know each and every one of us as well as make us feel at home in a new place. The IFSA program had many benefits that other programs don't, including a group flight for members of the program to take to Ireland together. They also offered an optional course on community and culture in which students were able to compare the Irish culture to their own as well as discuss what they've learned about the similarities and differences along the way. IFSA also offered several trips (included in the price of the program) to places like Northern Ireland and the Killary Adventure Center in Galway. These trips included transportation, planned meals and activities, as well as free time for students to explore on their own.
Overall I'm glad that I chose to study abroad with IFSA Butler. With everything included and the excellent staff, it was well worth it. Some of the best friends I made abroad were in this program, so if nothing else it helped me feel more at home by being able to connect with about 40 other students who were in the same boat as I was and from the same country. This network of people made my experience abroad more comforting and enjoyable.

I loved my time at the Burren College of Art. It is difficult to find design/art programs abroad, and the Burren College is one of the best kept secrets of the study abroad world.

It's located on the West Coast of Ireland (not far from the famous cliffs of moher) in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, The Burren. It's a small program, usually between 15-20 students (more in the spring and summer) but there is plenty of quiet and beauty to inspire and plenty of time to develop skills and projects.

As a graphic designer, I wanted to use the time to really develop new skills and interesting projects. The staff gives you the room to do what you want while pushing you to think bigger. I included some of the projects in my portfolio, and the experience overall changed my design process and was instrumental in getting me my first job post-grad.

The town itself is small and isolated, but if you are more introverted you won't have a problem with it. I loved everything about my experience. If you have any interest in art or developing any creative skills, this is a program to consider!

The IFSA butler staff were really helpful before and during my experience and it was nice to have additional resources beyond the college. I also got to participate in group trips to Belfast and Connemara, which was a nice break away from the isolation.

I studied at the University of Limerick through IFSA-Butler and it was grand! UL is underrated in my opinion; great school, the academics are different but manageable, and the area is safe and close to the city (UL is technically in Castletroy). The IFSA-Butler staff in the U.S. and Ireland are extremely helpful and understanding. No question is unanswerable or too "dumb" to ask. IFSA-Butler also provides two weekend trips with the other IFSA abroad students in Ireland and exceptional support after you come home. Overall, a great and worthwhile program.

The Butler faculty were very organized and easy to contact. The Butler contacts at NUI were absolutely wonderful, extremely friendly and always ready to suggest fun places to see during our stay in Ireland. The program was very small the year I went, so we formed a pretty tight group, but other than that there weren't any group activities organized by IFSA. However, Irish culture is very welcoming and it was easy to make friends and have fun on a night out!