Summer
SHort Term
Session I: May 8th – 22nd, 2026
Session II: May 23rd – June 6th, 2026
Applications Now Open
Application Deadline: December 20th, 2025
Term overview
Celebrate the End of the Academic Year with a Summer in Dingle!
Reward yourself for a successful year with an unforgettable summer program in Dingle, where learning meets adventure. We offer two back-to-back short-term sessions starting in May, each lasting two weeks and packed with opportunities for discovery.
Choose from a wide selection of 3-credit courses while soaking up the long daylight hours and mild early summer weather. In between classes, dive into thrilling outdoor activities like surfing, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and scenic boat tours along Dingle’s breathtaking coastline.
A summer in Dingle isn’t just a program – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
sESSION i Courses
DESCRIPTION
A graphic design course utilizing Irish Pagan symbols and the Archaic Irish Ogham alphabet as examples of how and why graphic symbols were used throughout the ages, right up to the present day.
Using Irish symbols and alphabets as inspiration, students are given an opportunity to design and create purposeful symbols of their own.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
Who are we, and where do we come from? This course addresses that question both by understanding the genetics that underlie genetic ancestry tests and the genealogy of the students’ family trees and the historical context of their personal family’s ancestors. In addition to exploring their own personal family genealogy and genetic history, the class, in groups, will research the family genealogy of a member of the Dingle community and compare the history impacting their family trees. Students will have access to numerous genealogical databases as well as the results of AncestryDNA tests for themselves and the local community members.
Students will learn about and help build local Dingle genealogy resources with trips to nearby historical societies and cemeteries. They will also interview selected individuals from the local Dingle community using this information and the genetic information from AncestryDNA results to help create a “Book of Life” for these community members. In doing so, students learn a more personal history about Dingle and the people who live there.
FACULTY
Mark Jareb, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
Learn how communication impacts practitioners/client interaction, patient outcomes, health education, social support for patients, and those who care for them, and ways that communication impacts interprofessional health care team dynamics.
Discover how culture impacts both patients and providers. Explore how health communication varies between Irish and U.S. healthcare systems.
FACULTY
Christine Pino MA, CCC-SLP
Caitlin Zimyeski, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
DESCRIPTION
This course explores the foundations of ethical theory, moral reasoning, and professional integrity as they apply to criminal justice practitioners—including law enforcement officers, court personnel, correctional officers, and true crime media hosts. Students will evaluate and apply ethical principles to real-world decision-making across policing, courts, and corrections, while also examining the moral responsibilities of those who report on crime.
Offered in Dingle, Ireland, this course provides a distinctive opportunity to compare U.S. and Irish approaches to criminal justice and crime reporting. Students will engage with professionals in the field to gain insight into Ireland’s more victim-centered practices and media ethics, challenging assumptions about what constitutes fairness and justice in criminal justice systems worldwide.
FACULTY
Analisa Gagnon, Ph.D.
Erika Pichardo, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
During this course, students will have the opportunity to fully explore the importance of Gaelic sports to both the regional and national identity. This exploration will begin with the roots of Gaelic sports and culminate with a contemporary discussion of Irish sports in today’s environment. Students will integrate their exercise science (EX) background to survey the Gaelic sports from a physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and coaching framework, drawing comparisons to American-based sports.
Student groups will research, develop, and implement a comprehensive athlete assessment with the local Gaelic Athletic Association club. Guest speakers and participation in Irish Sports will supplement traditional lectures.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
This course will provide students with hands-on experience in the financial and strategic decision-making of small businesses and startups. Based in Dingle, the course will take advantage of the various small businesses in the town, and explore the history of these companies start-up phase. The course will also integrate representatives from companies and investors in the region, and provide comparisons of small business funding and support between the US and EU / Ireland.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
This course explores Aging and Older Adulthood in Dingle, Ireland. It will comprehensively examine aging from a health and wellness perspective, comparing findings related to aging in the United States and the village of Dingle. Students will gain an understanding of the needs of aging individuals and the resources available within the community through observation, research, and engagement with village residents. Students are taught how to investigate social issues and methods to address social problems.
The course offers students a holistic perspective on aging, addressing the physical aspect of health and the psychosocial, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of older adulthood. These insights will enable students to better understand and promote healthy aging in diverse contexts. This innovative course represents a significant opportunity for students to engage in global, experiential learning opportunities.
FACULTY
Heather Keperling, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
This immersive course offers students a unique opportunity to study nursing leadership and health policy in the rich cultural and historical setting of Ireland. Through classroom learning, guest lectures from Irish health leaders, and experiential field visits, students will explore how nurses shape health systems, influence policy, and lead change in diverse healthcare environments.
Using a comparative lens, students will examine U.S. and Irish healthcare systems, nursing roles, and policy frameworks, with an emphasis on the social, cultural, and political factors that impact health outcomes. Topics include leadership theory, advocacy strategies, ethics in policy-making, and the global nursing voice in advancing health equity.
FACULTY
Susan K. Meyers, PhD, RNC, CNE, CPNP-PC
Jennifer Mondillo, PhD, MSN, MBA, AGNP-BC
DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on the nursing profession and leadership principles, which are integral to the provision of health care for individuals, families, communities, and global health. Students are given the opportunity to explore complex issues and trends in nursing related to the provision of cost-effective, safe, quality patient care, nurses as a profession, and global health.
The development of understanding and awareness of their need to become involved in developing health care policies and changes in health care systems will be fostered by an analysis of current issues such as cross-cultural communication, the nursing shortage, inefficient health care systems, and international issues. Discussions and assignments will include implementation strategies and skills for a successful transition into the workplace environment.
For the course being offered in Dingle, Ireland, the course uses comparative perspectives focusing on American and Irish contexts while exploring these complex topics.
Open to SHU students only
FACULTY
Heather Ferrillo, Ph.D., MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE.
DESCRIPTION
Spend 2 weeks learning about ethical issues in health care by exploring compelling scenarios and case studies. Study the role of ethics and the importance of Philosophy to the Irish Catholic Intellectual Tradition and investigate how health care concerns impact the lives of patients and health-care providers throughout southwestern Ireland.
Among the central topics to be covered are informed consent, medical futility, reproductive ethics, privacy, cultural competence, and clinical trials.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
Engaging with Irish preschoolers, visiting the aquarium and creating enrichment activities for the animals, participating in a Celtic Cub Scavenger Hunt, immersing yourself in meditation in an Irish forest during Shinrin-Yoku and being exposed to Irish music and language through guest speakers and excursions.
These are just some of the experiences you will have in this course which offers an applied approach to understanding neuroscience, the intersection between psychology and biology. Students will examine key concepts in neuroscience including neuroplasticity, language acquisition, learning, stress, and environmental enrichment in applied settings.
In addition, it introduces students to fundamental claims of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition; enable students to understand that Tradition as characterized by open, rigorous intellectual inquiry in the context of a faith tradition; engage students and faculty in seminar discussion; and enable students to see the value of this Tradition in the contemporary world help develop students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills.
FACULTY
Rachel Bowman, Ph.D.
Dawn Melzer, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
This course will serve as an introduction to the fascinating world of sports business and international marketing. Students will work on an innovative group marketing plan for a professional sports team from the Dingle and County Kerry region of Ireland.
The stark contrast between Irish and American sports leagues will be identified and discussed. A strong focus will be placed upon both of the following: 1) marketing “of” various sports and sport products, and 2) marketing “through” sport – the latter of which will involve the use of sport as the vehicle to market non-sport products and services.
The course includes site visits to related businesses, and key sports figures in Ireland will be brought into the class as guest speakers to supplement the course material.
FACULTY
sESSION ii Courses
DESCRIPTION
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
This interdisciplinary course explores rituals of death, mortality, and the creation of meaning in Ireland through both anthropological and philosophical lenses. Students will learn introductory archaeological methodology and mortuary analysis of human burials, which will be applied as they experience hands-on excavation and interpret findings from a simulated burial site in Dingle.
Students will engage with texts exploring the philosophical and cultural ramifications of how we construct our identity in the face of mortality, the ethics of bioarcheological practice, and ways in which our rituals surrounding death and burial reflect the values of the living. As part of the course, we will take trips to archeological sites in the area and hike the Cosan na Naomh pilgrimage trail.
FACULTY
Kristen Savell, Ph.D.
Christina Susienka, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
The course emphasizes how regenerative tourism can be communicated effectively in a global market, highlighting the role of digital and social media platforms in promoting sustainable travel.
Students will learn to analyze Irish cultural, environmental, and business factors influencing regenerative tourism and how these insights can be adapted globally. The course culminates in students developing marketing strategies that contribute to ongoing projects, with final deliverables that include campaign materials for digital marketing, community outreach, and social media content to support Dingle’s tourism efforts.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
This course will guide students in the creation of their own podcast to explore and celebrate the tradition of Irish storytelling. It would introduce students to the Irish storytelling tradition — first through readings and listenings, then through in-person interviews with Irish storytellers, musicians, and other performers in the Dingle peninsula and field visits to the real locations documented in their stories. Students will find and interview storytellers on the Dingle peninsula who can share tales of local lore and legends. Let them share their stories, then be ready to question them — what happened next? Where does this story come from? Does it remind you of any other stories? And where should I go to learn more?
Students will also identify the places on the Dingle peninsula with significance to those stories. These could be archaeological and historical sites, natural places, or cityscapes. With guidance from the instructor, brainstorm creative ways to capture sound or “set the scene” at those places. It could be as simple as birds singing or water rushing — or it could be an unexpected, lovely moment you could never capture in a classroom or studio. Students will consider creative ways to incorporate music. Is it the sound of a traditional Irish session at a crowded pub? A traditional ballad sung unaccompanied by a local — what the old collectors used to scour the countryside looking for?
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
This course, based in the Gaeltacht region of West Kerry, compares the education system in Ireland with that of the United States. Topics addressed include curriculum and instruction, funding and governance, teacher preparation, multiculturalism, language policy, and contemporary school reform. Students will be introduced to the students and teachers of Dingle, Ireland, and experience the Irish education system up close and personal. You will observe classrooms in action, learn from Irish teachers and administrators, and meet teacher candidates and their professors.
Open to all students in FCE teacher preparation programs, the course counts in lieu of Education in the United States, Multicultural Education, or an MAT elective. ED 402 for undergraduate credit or ED 502 for graduate credit.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
The Famine or an Gorta Mór – the Great Hunger – fatefully altered the course of not only Irish history, but also globally through the Irish diaspora. Questions pertaining to causation and responsibility lie at the heart of most critical study on the topic. Famine-related emigration to England, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many other destinations make this a matter of global consequence. This course attempts to tackle three main areas of inquiry: history, legacy, and global comparison. Firstly, it seeks to look at the Famine in its historical context, critically examining why hundreds of thousands starved while food was being exported. In building on these foundational discussions, the course shifts into the lasting legacies, such as demographics and Anglo-Irish relations. The final thread requires students to utilize this knowledge to identify threads of global connections and to see that this is not only a historical issue, but also a contemporary global crisis affecting areas including Gaza and Sudan.
FACULTY
Ashley Morin, Ph.D
DESCRIPTION
Held in the picturesque setting of Dingle, Ireland, this course will delve into systems of commerce that are designed to address today’s ethical, social, political, and economic challenges. Dingle is known for its natural beauty, and protecting this environment is essential for maintaining the resources that attract one million visitors a year.
Students will visit several local businesses and hear from industry experts as they explore innovative business models prioritising sustainability. Through applying business frameworks like the triple bottom line and stakeholder analysis, students will be tasked with designing creative solutions that companies can implement to enhance their sustainable practices.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
This course provides students with a thorough overview of traditional Irish music, song, and dance from their earliest references right up to today’s influence on the world music stage. Aural, as well as some basic traditional musicianship skills, will be developed over the course. Students will experience firsthand the Irish music scene locally.
Attendance at sessions and “céilís” will enable them to savor Traditional music in its natural social setting. The course will study the history and development of the tradition, while also ensuring that the students gain a deeper understanding of this tradition by learning some practical skills.
FACULTY
Niamh Varian Barry, MA
DESCRIPTION
This interdisciplinary course closely examines this influence of Irish folklore, literature, and musical tradition in the Western musical canon through a collaborative study of the literary and performing arts. Questions students will deliberate include: What Irish literature has inspired composers the most, and how were these literary examples set musically? What musical characteristics define an Irish influence, e.g. orchestration, mood, tonality? How are traditional Irish melodies performed in their native language and setting, and how does this contrast with the direction they have taken abroad? How have composers from around the world perceived Irish culture, and are these stereotypes justified or worth debunking?
Students will be able to discover answers to these questions through reading, listening, and their own performances and interpretation of music.
FACULTY
Christopher Grundy, Ph.D.
Bryan Chuan, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the student to basic concepts, theories, and methods of exploring the health, wellness, and cultural diversity of individuals. Common factors that promote the health and wellness of individuals across the lifespan are explored. Cultural diversity expands this discussion to include the meaning and impact of culture on health and wellness through the exploration of cultural phenomena such as perception toward time, communication, social organization, and healing traditions.
Values clarification related to one’s own culture as a part of the process of developing cultural awareness and competence is discussed. Disparities related to access to care and economic barriers are discussed, including vulnerable populations.
FACULTY
Angela Salio, MSN, RNC-OB
DESCRIPTION
Self, Mind, and Nature approaches the landscape of the Dingle peninsula as a place to explore theoretical and personal concepts of selfhood and consciousness, and understand how these are embedded in, and affected by, nature. The main aim of the course is to gain an understanding of the mind as it shaped by our environment. Through fieldwork and guest speakers we will gain first-hand experience of related topics such as language, ecology, literature, and mythology. This course will be of particular interest to those pursuing studies in the fields of philosophy, psychology, healthcare, and anthropology.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
The creative and expressive arts offer individuals a way to explore personal experiences through various artistic forms (e.g., dance/movement, visual arts, writing, drama and music). This course will focus on studying these different creative modalities from an Irish perspective. While in Dingle, students will learn foundational knowledge about the history, theory, and practical applications of the creative arts. In addition, course excursions will be used to help students tap into their creativity by exploring museums, Irish towns, listening to Irish music, participating in an Irish dance class and interacting with local guest speakers. Upon returning to the United States, students will reflect on how their experiences in Ireland influenced their personal growth and creative expression.
FACULTY
Lisa Smith, Psy.D.
DESCRIPTION
Experience the Dingle Peninsula as both physical landscape and living scripture through an intensive, field-based study of Irish pilgrimage traditions, contemporary poetry, and place-rooted theology. Blending seminar discussion with embodied learning, students walk portions of ancient routes, visit early monastic sites and oratories, listen to local historians and artists, and practice attentive “reading” of land and seascapes. Along the way, we explore poems, songs, travel writing, and theological essays that translate Dingle’s textures into language, ritual, and ethical imagination.
The course cultivates habits of seeing and saying: close reading, ethnographic observation, and contemplative practice. Students learn methods from literary analysis, theology, and comparative religion to interpret how pilgrimage forms communities of meaning; how ecological contexts shape ritual, devotion, and ethics; and how place-based art can repair fractured imaginations. Short workshops introduce elements of Gaeilge, oral tradition, and eco-spirituality, while studio sessions support a creative portfolio grounded in field experience and informed by respectful engagement with local communities. Attention to hospitality, safety, accessibility, and environmental stewardship is integral to our practice, as is consideration of decolonial perspectives and the responsibilities of visitors. By term’s end, students will be able to read a landscape as they would a poem: tracing motifs and metaphors, naming sources and stewards, and discerning how place shapes identity, belonging, and hope. In Dingle, the ordinary paths, wells, cliffs, and cottages become a text through which durable questions of meaning can be asked anew.
FACULTY
Cyrus P. Olsen III, D.Phil.
DESCRIPTION
Explore human diversity and social justice through a global lens in Dingle, Ireland, with immersive, real-world learning experiences. This course goes beyond the classroom with opportunities to engage directly with the local community through field trips, guest speakers, and interactive discussions that bring course concepts to life. Students will meet with community members and professionals who share firsthand perspectives on issues of diversity, equity, and social justice in an Irish context.
Through a framework rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, students will examine how characteristics of diversity shape identity and influence experiences of privilege, oppression, power, and marginalization. The course emphasizes the intersectionality of these factors aimed at addressing systemic inequities and promoting human rights
FACULTY
Maura McCarthy Rhodes, MSW, LCSW
Sasha Hazen Aaronson, MSW, MPA
Fall
Semester
Read More
Spring
Semester
Read More
Winter
Short term
Read More
Summer
Short term
Read More
How to Apply
Tuition & Fees
