Winter Short Term
December 28/29th 2025 – January 12th 2026
Application Deadline: September 15th 2025
Term overview
Discover Ireland’s Magic This Winter: Join Our Intensive Program in Dingle!
Imagine spending two unforgettable weeks at the end of December and beginning of January in the picturesque coastal town of Dingle, one of Ireland’s top New Year’s Eve destinations. This charming town bursts into life with fireworks and a lively marching band parade, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate the New Year in style.
Experience authentic Irish culture in a vibrant setting filled with traditional music, language, food, and ‘craic’ (the Irish Gaelic term for ‘fun’). You’ll be warmly welcomed by our SHU in Dingle team, offering world-class teaching in the stunning backdrop of Dingle’s festive spirit.
Ireland’s winter boasts a mild climate, perfect for exploring the wild Celtic landscape. Outside the classroom, enjoy activities like hiking, beach horseback riding, and touring ancient ruins. While Dingle is a summer hotspot, our Winter program offers a unique, immersive experience without the crowds.
Dingle is a renowned ‘Gaeltacht’, a traditional Irish Gaelic-speaking area, known for its rich character and charm. Join students from around the world and make Dingle your Winter home with SHU in Dingle. Don’t miss this chance to dive into Irish culture and create lasting memories in one of the world’s most enchanting locations!
Courses
DESCRIPTION
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
The connections between language, culture and social identify are strong. Cross-cultural variations in language are noted in differences in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary by speakers of the same language. We will use structural and cultural linguistic frameworks to identify and understand differences in dialects of English spoken in Ireland and the United States.
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
Pubs are one of the most important Irish institutions in Ireland. Irish culture has centered around three institutions: church, local GAA sports club, and the pub. Until the 1970s Mass attendance was nearly 95%, and involvement in national sports has been a widely supported, and after each of the events that included church or GAA everyone visited the pub afterwards where discussions, stories, and great ‘craic’ (fun) was experienced. With smaller homes and lack of many modern conveniences, pubs offer social spaces for sharing community knowledge and friendship, conducting business, playing music, and discussing politics.
Well beyond alcohol, the atmosphere, warmth and friendliness are a well-known aspect of Ireland; the 20th century has exported pubs around the world. Ireland has also excelled at brewing excellent ales, beers, and the word whiskey comes from the Irish ‘uisce beatha’ or water of life. This course studies the history and culture of the Irish Public House.
FACULTY
John B. Roney Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION
Health education and promotion activities are increasingly supported by evidence showing positive impacts on various health indicators, as supported by contemporary research being performed in the Irish health sector. Using Irish population health goals as a framework, this course will use frequently occurring health conditions to explore health education models and health promotion interventions. Attention will also be given to measuring health and the impact of lifestyle choices on healthcare needs and costs within the context of ethical principles, with a special focus on food & diet.
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of nutritional as a scientific, social, behavioral, and public health construct. During the course, students will experience the local nutritional scene in Dingle, Ireland. The exploration will include food markets, culinary venues, and review of national and local policies. Students will also learn how the built environment influences food choice and physical activity, and how the environmental differences between US and Dingle support or hinder healthy lifestyles
The course is open to graduate students and undergraduate students and as an MPH course, is not restricted to any specific major nor college.
FACULTY
Tina Miller, MS,RDN
DESCRIPTION
Worldwide tourism is continuing to grow and has been identified as a critical industry for the economies of many different countries, each linking their attractions primarily to cultural identities. Ireland is one of the leading tourist destinations and the country’s tourist leaders have developed this position over decades as Ireland relies heavily on revenue generated from this source. It is estimated that overseas visitor numbers reached 6.29 million in 2011, a 7% increase from 2010. How does Ireland go about creating their specific brand image in marketing Ireland as a ‘holiday destination’? How have they created the Irish mystique that attracts so many tourists each year?
This class will explore these questions in developing a better understanding of tourism marketing and how Ireland has become a leader in this sector. The class will utilize a readings list, case studies, social media and site visits to explore this topic.
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 the students gain a deeper understanding of this tradition by learning some practical skills.
FACULTY
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 include informed consent, medical futility, reproductive ethics, privacy, cultural competence, and clinical trials
FACULTY
DESCRIPTION
Study the ancient religion of Ireland, of gods and goddesses, ancestors and rituals, holy places and sacred rulers. Learn about the Celtic origins of Halloween, and the great seasonal festivals of the druids. Walk through the landscape and discover traditions and customs from ancient times that are reflected in the modern world, through myth, place names and customs.
FACULTY
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How to Apply
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