Overview
EAP in Ireland offers UC students the opportunity to become fully integrated into the academic and social life of any one of four host institutions. Each institution is a top university that provides consistently strong undergraduate education and offers a wide range of disciplines. EAP students attend the same classes as Irish university students, choosing from a wide range of disciplines.
EAP has chosen Irish exchange partners carefully, and each institution represents a wonderful opportunity. Each institution offers distinctive opportunities and its own social and academic milieu, yet they are similar in academic structure. Relatively small classes, independent and self-directed study focused in the major, and easily accessible professors characterize the academic program at all locations. Many institutions provide access to academic, cultural, and pre-professional opportunities that may not be available on your UC campus.
Course Opportunities
Regular university courses in your major or a related field.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 to 24 UC quarter units are required each semester or 14 to 16 units per quarter. A total of 42 to 48 UC quarter units are required each year.
Language of Instruction
English
Language Study
None
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Independent study and internships for academic credit may be possible in this program. At the University College Cork, internship opportunities specifically designed for international students are offered through campus departments and organizations. Internships offer you an opportunity to gain professional experience while earning academic credit. Past EAP participants have interned for a member of the European Parliament, the Dublin City Council, and with such organizations as the International Education Office, Irish Center for Migration Studies, International Famine Center, and with various campus departments, faculties, and labs.
Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival, and predeparture preparation may be required.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: September to December
Spring: January to late May or mid/late June
Year: September to late May or mid/late June
Housing
You can choose to live in a university dorm or in private housing off campus. Dormitory space is limited at most sites, so timely housing application is important. Students often arrive in Ireland a week or two early to locate private housing to share with Irish or other international students. EAP students have noted that dormitories are usually deserted on the weekends, when most local students return home, so compare the benefits of both dormitory living and private housing before choosing your housing option. Students have been pleased with their housing, regardless of option. Extensive housing information is available on the host institution websites, in the online EAP Program Guide, and at the EAP Study Center in Edinburgh.
On-site Support
The EAP program in Ireland is currently overseen by the EAP Study Center in Edinburgh. EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC and local staff abroad help students integrate into Irish culture and provide assistance with academics, safety, and other issues.
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).
Host Institutions
As part of the application process, you will be asked to rank your university preferences; therefore, EAP recommends that you explore carefully the host university websites. In evaluating the differences between universities, you might consider whether courses in your major are offered to exchange students, the number of students enrolled, the layout of the campus, the size of the nearest city, nearby attractions, the comments of knowledgeable family/friends/returnees, and your preference for an urban/suburban/rural locale. You will notice that these universities offer all the usual campus amenities, sports facilities, and cultural learning opportunities:
National University of Ireland, Galway
The National University of Ireland, Galway enrolls about 15,000 students; international students comprise approximately 10 percent of the total student population. The university is home to the faculties of Arts, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Science. Strong disciplines available include Anglo-Irish literature, archaeology, biological science, chemistry, ecological/environmental sciences, geology, history, physics, and women’s studies. Admission to the Celtic Studies Program is limited.
The campus consists of Victorian and modern buildings, including a library, lecture halls, laboratories, and social and recreational facilities. The university is located close to the center of Galway City, an academic, industrial, and tourist center.
Visit the National University of Ireland website
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin, the oldest university in Ireland, enrolls about 16,000 students. Trinity College Dublin is the sole constituent college of the university.
The departments open to you at this university are Drama, English, History, and Politics. Although you will take most courses within your major department, there may be opportunities to study relevant courses in other departments. The Drama Department offers courses in theater history, theory, and dance. Acting courses are not available for this program.
The campus is located in the center of Dublin on some 40 acres of cobbled squares, green spaces, and buildings that represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. The central location of the university ensures that the academic community is an intimate part of the city’s life.
Visit the Trinity College Dublin website
University College Cork
The Univesity College Cork enrolls about 16,500 students; about 2,000 are international students representing more than 80 countries. The university has seven faculties in Arts and Celtic Studies, Commerce, Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Law, Medicine, and Science. Strong disciplines include Celtic studies, chemistry, engineering (including civil and electrical), English, history, and music.
Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and a busy seaport. A variety of educational, sporting, and cultural facilities are available in the city. Among Cork’s cultural offerings are an art school with public painting and sculpture galleries, an opera house, two theaters, and a city museum. The city has an active social life and each year hosts international film, choral, and jazz festivals.
Visit the University College Cork website
University College Dublin
Established in 1854, University College Dublin has played a key role in the history of the modern Irish state. The university enrolls over 22,000 students, including 2,000 international students from over 80 countries.
Strong disciplines offered at the university include agriculture, archaeology, architecture, art history, biological science, Celtic studies, chemistry, classics, computer science, economics, engineering (including chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical), English, geography, geology, history, linguistics, mathematics, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and women’s studies. Courses offered by the School of Business are not open to EAP students.
University College Dublin is the largest of Dublin’s three universities. The campus buildings at Belfield are modern, with well-equipped lecture theaters, laboratories, and seminar rooms. There is a central library building with more than one million printed volumes and a wide range of electronic material. The campus is located in the southern suburbs of Dublin within easy access to the city center. The university provides ample facilities for recreation and sports, including a modern sports center.
Visit the University College Dublin website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
- Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
- Round-trip airfare
- UC fees
- Cost of attending the host university
- Accident and medical insurance
- On-site orientation
- Room and board
- Local transportation
- Optional excursions
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$14,500-$15,800 |
| Spring |
$14,500-$15,800 |
| Year |
$28,900 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
None
GPA
3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions. At Trinity College Dublin, a 3.3 cumulative GPA is required for all departments.
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by the host institution.
Deadlines
Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.
For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
