Academics
Learning
Community Engagement in Rural Ireland pairs community leaders in County Mayo’s Tochar Valley Rural Community Network (TVN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rural community development, with MSU students to complete community engagement/internship projects. This program’s multiple learning objectives include these four themes, framed by the following questions:
| • Self-development and personal growth Who am I? What do I value? What are my strengths? What are my growth areas? |
| • Cross-cultural learning What am I learning about Ireland? About the U.S.? About the way of life in the Tochar Valley? About my way of life at home? |
| • Practical experience in your major What relationship do you see between your community engagement/internship and your major? What skills have you developed? What new questions do you have about your field of study? |
| • Autonomous community development What does autonomous community development mean to you? How has your individual project contributed to development in the Tochar Valley? What are the next steps? |
Community engagement projects differ each year—depending on community needs and student backgrounds and skills. Topics usually focus on natural resources and agricultural issues; community development; engineering; family consumer services; education; parks, recreation, and tourism; social sciences; international relations; public relations and marketing; or the humanities.
Past projects have included developing a community walk or trail, recording oral histories, researching an archaeological site, inventorying native species, creating a map of local sites of interest, designing a community park, working with youth groups, researching local legends, planning a community garden, planning a daycare or teen center, and a marketing plan and brochure. The projects frequently entail writing strategic plans, scoping documents, grant proposals, and background research—all of which are important building blocks for successful community development.
In addition to the project, students learn through field trips, visits to local museums and heritage centers, outdoor learning, weekly reflections, and community events. Through these activities, students develop and refine their understanding of rural Ireland and community engagement.
Academic Credit
Students enroll for a minimum of six (6) credits, maximum of nine (9) from the following courses:
| ANR 475 | International Studies in Agriculture and Natural Resources | 3 - 6 cr. |
| ANR 490 | Independent Study in Agriculture and Natural Resources | 1 - 4 cr. |
| RD 480 | International Studies in Resource Development | 1 - 6 cr. |
| RD 490 | Independent Study in Resource Development | 1 – 4 cr. |
| RD 493 | Professional Internship in Resource Development | 2 – 4 cr. |
| FW 480 | International Studies in Fisheries and Wildlife | 1 – 6 cr. |
| SSC 493 | Social Science Internship (pass/no pass) | 3 – 4 cr. |
Students may arrange other course credits with the program coordinators, though final decisions for alternative courses depend upon the approval from collaborating departments and the student’s advisor. Students who complete this study abroad are eligible to have the experience listed in their Record of Service “transcript” with the MSU Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement.
Assignments
Community Engagement in Rural Ireland focuses on learning. All students, regardless of the courses they are enrolled in, will be expected to participate in all program activities and to complete the following six assignments:
| Assignments Points | Points |
| 1. Reflective journals | 15 |
| 2. Group reflection sessions | 15 |
| 3. Community engagement/internship (project) | 20 |
| 4. Community collaboration (process) | 20 |
| 5. Presentation to TVN Board | 10 |
| 6. Final reflective essay | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Students will receive a detailed syllabus, including expectations, assignment criteria, and grading rubrics during pre-departure orientation. (Click here for a sample syllabus).
SYLLABUS
[Click here to download the full syllabus]
