Eligibility
Community Engagement in Rural Ireland is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of majors. To apply, students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.75 at the time of application. Meeting the minimum grade point average does not guarantee admission. In addition to the OSA application, you must complete a program-specific application/interest profile and interview with program coordinators. Students must also attend orientation sessions during spring semester. Click here for downloadable Interest Profile (coming soon).
Students seeking an international experience where they travel around the country extensively, learn by guest lectures and in structured classes, prefer to work with animals (vs. with people), or hope to party in Ireland’s pubs are strongly encouraged to consider other learning opportunities.
Expectations
Community Engagement in Rural Ireland, a 5 ½ -week study abroad experience, is intended for students who are mature—capable of living on their own with a family and working on their own in a community. Students should be curious, open to evolving experiences, and self-motivated. They should be interested in engaging with community members and committed to making a difference in others’ lives.
This study abroad experience is for students who seek practical
experience working with grassroots community development and community
volunteers in rural areas. Students need to have the ability
to tolerate sometimes “messy,” unpredictable, and uncertain
situations. This is not a study abroad program
for students who expect to have every detail already determined for them
by others before the program begins or who prefer to learn from experts
through lectures and tours. Students are also expected to immerse themselves in Irish culture
and become part of their local community. Past students have
attended mass and first communion with their host families, visited farmer’s
markets and goat fairs, played bingo at a community center, listened to
live folk music, or attended a local Gaelic football match. These experiences,
often the most memorable parts of the study abroad program. |
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While in country, students are required to complete six assignments: keep a reflective journal, participate in group reflections, complete community project, engage community members, present project to Tochar Valley board and community members, and write a final reflective essay. (Visit Academics section for more details on assignments).
Students are also required to act professionally. Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation. While in country, faculty will follow OSA guidelines to address minor and major behavior problems, including immediate dismissal procedures if warranted.
