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The Gate Keepers - SHU Campus Artwork
A stunning set of custom-designed stained glass panels embedded in a tall standing stone, created by local artist Ben Dearnsley.
Irish Studies at shu, ct
Promotes the understanding and appreciation of Irish culture, history & language
Your
FAQ's
Some of your most common questions answered.
Applications will become available based on the following timeline:
• Spring program: August
• Winter program: April
• Fall program: November
• Summer program: October
Check out the SHU Office of Global Education website for updates on application dates.
With the right planning, most majors can study at SHU Dingle, as we offer a wide range of courses during both our short-term and semester programs. It is important to start planning early and to discuss your plans with your academic advisor.
Choosing when to study abroad can depend a lot on your major and its requirements. Most students that go for a semester do so sophomore or junior year. For athletes or students with strict academic schedules, short-term winter or summer programs can be great options.
No! There are short-term winter and summer programs if you’re not ready to do a full semester abroad. Check out the programs section to see what courses are available in the short-term programs.
The minimum GPA required to be approved to study abroad is 2.8, although some courses will have higher requirements for acceptance. Students who may be worried about their GPA impacting their wish to study abroad are encouraged to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss possible options.
Each program has a different program cost depending on what is included in the total program fees. An estimated budget sheet for each program is available on the budgeting section.
You will pay the regular home school tuition plus a study abroad fee, which includes international insurance. You will be billed directly by your school for these fees. SHU will also bill you directly for housing, meals, and activities through the program fee.
We recommend students do some research and create their own budget based on their preferences and spending habits.
You will need a valid passport to study in Ireland. It is our policy that you present a copy of your valid and signed passport (valid for at least 6 months after the study abroad program end date) during the application process. If you do not meet this requirement, apply for a passport immediately. You may visit the US Department of State website for more information on obtaining a passport. You may also apply for a passport at most local post offices or by appointment at your state Passport Agency. The processing time for a passport is approximately 8 – 11 weeks.
Ireland also requires you to apply for a visa to legally live and study in the country if you wish to stay for a semester. The short-term programs do not require a visa.
The SHU Office of Global Education and SHU Dingle can assist with the process. Please note that visa regulations (and the decision whether or not to issue a visa) are imposed by the Irish government, not Sacred Heart University. The fee for the visa is approximately $320.
As part of the study abroad fee, you will automatically be enrolled in the mandatory GeoBlue International Health Insurance plan. This comprehensive plan provides medical and evacuation coverage.
You will be provided with an insurance card before departure, as well as guidance on how to use your health insurance while abroad. We recommend you familiarize yourself with GeoBlue before traveling abroad. Also, you should NOT cancel your U.S. insurance plan.
Of course! However, family and friends are not permitted to stay overnight in your housing as it is against program guidelines to do so. We recommend that those wishing to visit you do so after your midterm exams/break. This will give you enough time to become acclimated into your program, and get to know Dingle.
You are recommended to travel with a credit card, as well as a debit card, so that, in case of emergency, a student does not have to worry about how much money is in their debit account. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are recommended as they are the most widely accepted in Ireland. Apple Pay is also widely used.
You are also recommended to set up online banking before you travel to allow you to monitor your account. You are not advised to open a bank account in Ireland. Be aware that using your debit/credit card in an ATM abroad will often incur international service fees. We encourage you to research your bank’s rates concerning international withdrawals and exchanges. You should inform your bank of your travel plans before your trip to ensure your cards are not denied/blocked while abroad. Confirm the phone number that you would need to call if you have any problems with your card(s).
If possible, you should purchase some Euro currency in advance so you have it available as soon as you arrive in case you have any problems with your card(s) upon arrival. Euros can be purchased at most major banks.
If you are planning on studying at SHU Dingle for a semester, we recommend you have a working, unlocked cell phone. We will supply you with an Irish SIM and pre-paid phone credit upon arrival, to get you started. You will be on the Prepay Option, which allows a customer to ‘top up’ with credit as and when required. Credit can be purchased online, at an ATM, and in stores. Students generally spend $25 per month on credit, which includes unlimited internet data. An Irish SIM will also give you access to coverage and data while traveling throughout Europe.
If you are planning on a short-term program, we recommend that you have a working cell phone with a data plan that provides minutes while abroad. You are encouraged to research international phone plans.
Free WIFI is available on campus, at all accommodations, and most bars and restaurants to allow you to use iMessage, WhatsApp, GroupMe etc. to keep in contact with your program leaders, family, and friends.
My experience at SHU Dingle was incredible! I attended the summer and winter sessions for two weeks. Not only was I able to take a courses for my journalism minor, but I was able to explore another country with friends. Aside from going on the trip with people I knew, I was able to make lifelong friends in the short two weeks. The Dingle community was extremely welcoming and hospitable to our students. If I could do it all over again, I would!
Studying abroad in Dingle was the most transformative experience of my college journey. For just over four months, I was immersed in a lifestyle that encouraged reflection, wonder, and connection to place, to people, and to myself. From quiet mornings with a book and coffee by the creek, to windswept hikes through green hills, to long runs along the marina and spontaneous conversations with locals, each day carried a sense of magic. Outside the classroom, I had the opportunity to engage with Irish culture and history in deeply hands-on ways. I filmed on-site at a ruined castle, tried my hand at traditional bronze casting, and explored the Maharees tombolo, with its sweeping sandbars and unique wildlife.
What made the semester so impactful went far beyond the stunning landscapes and incredible adventures. It was about rediscovering parts of myself that had faded into the background of everyday, mundane life. I faced challenges, built meaningful friendships, and returned home with a renewed sense of confidence, curiosity, and perspective.
It’s never been this difficult to say goodbye to such a beautiful place. If you had asked me if I saw myself leaving America any time soon, I would have probably laughed and said no. Funny how life can take a drastic turn.
The two-week program has been the best time of my life. From learning about the culture of Ireland to talking with the locals, the memories I have made and the lessons I have learned will be held in my heart forever.
My time at SHU Dingle was one of the most meaningful experiences so far in my college
journey but it was also truly life-altering. As a nursing major, I learned how to connect with people
of different backgrounds and also learned about the differences in healthcare in other countries.
While abroad I had grown into a stronger, more empowered version of myself by trying new
foods, interacting daily with locals, and stepping out of my comfort zone by hiking cliffs. The
best part of my experience in Dingle was gaining new friends for life that I consider my second
family. Being in Dingle helped how I connect with people, both personally and
professionally. Dingle gave me not only unforgettable memories, but also a perspective that I’ll
carry with me throughout my nursing career. I miss Dingle every day and hope to go back soon.
Studying in Ireland this Fall has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have been able to immerse myself in the Irish culture and go out of my comfort zone which has allowed me to meet to develop new connections. Everyday has been a new experience whether it's trying new foods, walking to a different part of town, or meeting new people. Although I am thousands of miles away from home, the community has made me feel extremely welcome, and being here for a couple of months now, Dingle is and will always be a second home to me. These experiences, friendships, and connections are something that I hold close to my heart and will carry with me for the rest of my life. If you are debating whether or not you should study abroad, do it, you will not regret it, especially in a place like Dingle, Ireland.
I was able to adventure and explore Ireland with the activities provided and was able to venture across Europe on our own time. Living abroad while studying allowed me to gain a whole new perspective on independence and adventure, while also learning about different cultures and lifestyles. This was truly a life-changing opportunity for personal, social, and to overall growth and I will never take this opportunity for granted.
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