Students invited to study abroad next summer in Ireland through ECC
Elgin Community College, in partnership with Carlow College and the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs, is offering a new summer study abroad program in Carlow, Ireland. The program provides students an exciting introduction to Irish history, culture and literature.
ECC students will enroll full time students at Carlow College, earning six transferable credits in "Irish Literature" and the "Irish Experience." The three-week program runs from June 5-26, 2018.
Carlow, Ireland is the quintessential Irish country town. With a population of 25,000, the town is home to Carlow College, known to locals as St. Patrick's College. Dublin is about an hour away and is easily accessible by both train and bus. Students will have the opportunity to participate in cultural field trips to places in Belfast and the northern coast including West Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Bushmills Distillery and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (overnight trip); Carlow; Kilkenny Castle and St. Francis Brewery in Kilkenny; various sites in Dublin including Book of Kells (Trinity College Dublin); Wicklow County and Glendalough.
The program is open to students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Irish culture and heritage. Students planning on participating must have completed freshman English Composition or its equivalent with a B or better; have a cumulative college-earned grade-point average of 2.75 or higher; and receive approval and/or recommendation of campus ICISP representative, Lauren Nehlsen, ECC director of International Education and Programs.
The cornerstone of the program is "The Irish Experience," a course which gives students an introduction to the history, culture and people of Ireland.
The cost to participate in this program for summer 2018 is $3,900, which covers tuition and related fees, private-bedroom housing at Carlow College, transportation to program cultural excursions, orientation and faculty liaison costs and mandatory health insurance. International airfare to Ireland, transportation, meals and entertainment are not included. A $500 deposit, taken off the total program cost, is due with the completed application form.
Prior to the start of the program, participants must be at least 18 years of age or older; obtain a passport and attend a pre-trip orientation. The program is open to students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Irish culture and history.
This program is financial-aid eligible for qualified students. Students can also apply for the ICISP Consortial Program Scholarship Application, valued at up to $1000, and look into other applicable scholarships offered through the ECC Foundation.
The application deadline is Feb. 15, 2018. For students interested in studying abroad in Ireland for a longer period of time, ECC also offers a semester program in Carlow. The application deadline is May 1 for the fall term, and Oct. 1 for the spring term. However, the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early.
For more information about the Ireland study abroad program, or other study abroad opportunities at ECC, visit elgin.edu/studyabroad or contact The Center for International Education at (847) 214-7809 or international@elgin.edu.