Semester Program Spotlight: Intern or Study Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience abroad, spending a semester in Ireland’s capital city is a great choice. When you study abroad in Dublin, you have the opportunity to explore a truly stunning country while also gaining valuable academic and cultural experiences. 

Here’s what it’s like to study abroad in Dublin with AIFS during the fall or spring semester: 

Academics in Dublin 

Students studying abroad during the fall or spring semester can choose from two dynamic program options: the International Program and the Study + Internship Program.  

Both programs offer students course options in a wide range of subjects, including:  

Program Option 1: International Program 

The International Program gives students the opportunity to take a variety of courses alongside local Irish students at Dublin City University (DCU). 

DCU offers a flexible curriculum across five different academic streams: The Humanities and Social Science, Business, Engineering and Computing, Science and Health Science, and Education. 

Students can take a maximum of six courses from the academic streams above to earn a total of 18 credits per semester. However, we strongly recommend taking a maximum of five courses to ensure a manageable workload. 

Program Option 2: Study + Internship Program 

Working side by side with locals is a great way to immerse yourself in another culture. Plus, international work experience helps you test a potential career path while exploring your interests and abilities in new ways. 

Earn up to 15 credits through the Study + Internship Program in Dublin. Students complete a 6-credit internship placement in their field of study and choose two or three courses offered on the International Program at DCU described above.  

Internship placements are available in a variety of fields, including accounting, business, communications, engineering, finance, graphic design, IT, law, marketing, NGO (a non-profit organization), psychology and more. 

Life in Dublin: On Campus 

Did you know that housing is included in your program fee? While studying abroad in Dublin, you’ll live in student apartments on the DCU campus. These apartments are single en-suite rooms with a shared kitchen and living area. Internet access is included with all AIFS housing in Dublin. 

Interested in sports and fitness? If so, you’ll definitely want to consider Dublin as your study abroad destination — DCU was named sports college of the year in 2019 and 2020. AIFS students have access to on-campus sports facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, high performance gym, running track and sports pitches. 

Excursions and Cultural Activities 

When you study abroad in Dublin, one thing is for sure – there’s no shortage of stunning places to explore both inside and outside the city. With AIFS Abroad, your program fee includes a range of excursions. Students studying abroad in Dublin enjoy an excursion to an Irish farm, where they can make Irish soda bread, learn how to milk a cow and take Irish drum and Ceili (dancing) lessons.  

Deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Ireland on an overnight excursion to Cork and Kilkenny (also included in the program fee). On this excursion, students enjoy guided sightseeing tours and have free time to explore this fascinating area of Ireland. 

Your program fee also includes a variety of cultural and social activities. Typical activities include: 

• Group meals 
• Irish music nights 
• Guinness Storehouse visit 
• Museum and gallery visits 
• Walking tours 
• Irish sporting events 
• Theater performances 
• Visits to local seaside towns  

In addition to visiting tourist sites, you’ll also visit places off the beaten path. Thanks to the expert knowledge of local Dublin and AIFS Abroad staff, you’ll experience a more authentic and insightful view of Irish culture. 

What’s it like studying abroad in Ireland? Hear from our alumni: 

📣 “I had an amazing experience with the AIFS Ireland program! I learned more than I could ever ask for […] I made so many friends on the trip between the other students and people we met along the way. I’m so thankful for the memories AIFS helped provide.” – Laken P., AIFS in Ireland alum. 

📣 “Amazing study abroad experience in Ireland! This trip exceeded all my expectations and was truly an event I will remember forever. The structure was well planned, allowing students to have free time, planned trips, and enough time for work to get done.” – Peter M., AIFS in Ireland alum. 

Spend your semester exploring the Emerald Isle 

☘️ “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.” – Irish proverb 

What better way to experience the best of life than studying abroad in Ireland? Click below and learn more about AIFS in Dublin program options, courses, housing and more!