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Thanks to its welcoming and spirited culture, as well as its strong academic environment, Ireland is an excellent destination to study abroad. AIFS Abroad offers study abroad programs in three destinations in Ireland: Dublin, Limerick, and Maynooth. So, whether you want small-town charm, the amenities of a major city, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Interested in learning more about what it’s really like to study abroad in Ireland?
Hear from five college students who did a study abroad program in Ireland with AIFS Abroad!
Mustafa: Spring and Fall in Limerick
If you’re like Mustafa, you may enjoy spring semester abroad in Ireland so much that you return for a fall semester! That’s right, Mustafa from Howard University spent two semesters in Limerick—he just couldn’t get enough of Ireland!
So why did Mustafa choose to study abroad in Limerick twice? Hear it from him:
“I think it’s the environment there. First of all, the campus is very diverse. Secondly, the location is in a very remote area, but it’s also a city—that’s the kind of place I like to live in. Everything about it—there were so many clubs, [and] everyone was so friendly.”
As Mustafa explains, each time he returned home, there was something he missed in Ireland:
“The biggest thing I missed was the people… we created such a bond, [and] the location is connected to the people. The campus is very lively and good for students of all ages. I have friends who are way older and grad students, because it’s so combined and brings everyone together. The third thing is the trips we would go on. That was amazing because every weekend [AIFS Abroad] arranged trips, and the trips were way cheaper than they would be if we arranged them ourselves.
The last thing was the weather. I love the weather in Ireland… there are all kinds of seasons on the same day. I’ve seen rain, snow, and the sun on the same day, so I wouldn’t complain about the weather at all. It’s amazing.”
Are you a STEM major who thinks a study abroad program may not be possible for you because of academic requirements? Mustafa, a biology major, argues that not only can you study abroad as a STEM major, but “the University of Limerick is amazing for STEM majors.” He took more credits during his semester abroad than he would have at his home university. So, if you’re a STEM major, studying abroad may help you to accelerate your degree, rather than hold it back!
Sokhna: Fall in Maynooth
Sokhna, a sociology and political science double major at Howard University, studied abroad in Maynooth during fall semester. As someone who’s from Boston and studies in D.C., Sokhna wanted a small-town experience for a change, while still having easy access to a big city, as she explains:
“Maynooth is a small university town 30 to 45 minutes from Dublin. I would say it’s a great option for you if you want a small-town feel but still want to be close enough to the city.”
One of the things Sokhna appreciated most about her AIFS Abroad program in Ireland was the on-site support of her Program Director:
“[My Program Director] Clíodhna is absolutely the best. I have texted her about tiny little things, like if a package will come to my door or if it will come to the accommodation office. I have texted her because I’m sick, and she has sat down with us to figure out our schedules. Your AIFS [Program Director] will literally sit with you and talk with you about the little things and the big things that you are worried about.”
Besides her Program Director, she connected with tons of other cool people from around the world, thanks to the international environment of Maynooth University (MU), as Sokhna puts it:
“All of my classes are with Irish students, international students, and study abroad students; it is genuinely a mix. I have met friends from the Netherlands, I have made friends that are Irish, [and] I have made friends that are from Malawi, just because of the mix of students in all of my classes.”
Are you someone who’s worried your dietary restrictions may be an issue in Ireland? Worry not, as Sokhna, a vegetarian, explains:
“If you are someone with dietary restrictions, I think Ireland and Europe have great options. I have not gone out a single time where I haven’t had something [available] to eat… it is always delicious and fulfilling. So I think if you’re someone with dietary restrictions, Ireland is definitely somewhere where you will be able to eat.”
Valentina: Summer in Limerick
Valentina from UC Davis did a summer study abroad program in Ireland at the University of Limerick. As a STEM major pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, Valentina took the Developing as a Self-Practitioner course in Limerick, which she explains is for “nursing, pre-med, and any other health branch.”
Hear Valentina describe the housing at Limerick University and the campus as a whole:
“[My apartment] has a great view… The apartments [and] dorms are on campus… everything is mostly 5 to 10 minutes maximum [walking distance from our accommodations].
The campus has a more rural vibe just because there are tons of trees and the river, but it is close to the bus stop and has easy access to the city’s urban areas… I love [campus] because it’s very green, I don’t usually see that back home.”
When she wasn’t going to classes or appreciating the beauty of her campus, Valentina said that she liked to go out into Limerick city and enjoy trips and excursions with AIFS Abroad:
“[My favorite thing to do during my free time] is going out to the city with my friends. We get to explore so much, see the different environments, walk around, [and] eat. We went to an escape room one time which was amazing! [Additionally, AIFS Abroad] organizes trips on some weekends and weekdays.”
Paige: Spring in Dublin
Meet Paige, a criminal justice major from Niagara University who did a study abroad program in Dublin during the spring semester.
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and the country’s largest city by population and area. While it may be a big city, public transportation (and some assistance from AIFS Abroad) makes it easy to get around. As Paige said, “Transportation is really accessible here, there’s a huge train and bus system. Upon arrival, you get a Leap card from AIFS.” The Leap card comes pre-loaded with funds to help cover some of the costs of public transportation.
Students who do a study abroad program in Ireland will have the chance to explore the entire country and beyond—hear Paige describe her experience traveling during her program:
“One of the highlights of my time abroad was exploring the historical sites scattered across Ireland. From ancient Viking settlements to poignant reminders of the Great Famine, each visit provided a deeper understanding of Ireland’s rich and complex history.
And it wasn’t just limited to Ireland—I took advantage of my time in Europe to visit iconic landmarks and cultural hubs. In Amsterdam, I stood in awe before Van Gogh’s masterpieces, while in Berlin, I witnessed the remnants of history at the Berlin Wall. Perhaps the most impactful experience was my visit to Auschwitz in Poland, where I came face to face with the horrors of the Holocaust—a sobering reminder of the importance of never forgetting the past.”
Lauren: Fall in Maynooth
Studying abroad multiple times in Ireland seems to be a trend! Lauren from the University of Northern Colorado did a summer study abroad program in Limerick prior to her fall semester program in Maynooth, where she graduated with a Theater Studies degree and minors in American Sign Language and History.
After studying abroad once, picking Ireland a second time was an easy choice, as Lauren explains:
“I picked Ireland because I visited there in 2023, and it was such a beautiful country. I also needed an English-speaking country because I don’t speak another verbal language. I had a friend who studied there over the summer last year, and I was just really excited to see what else Ireland had to offer.”
Did you know studying abroad is a great opportunity to take unique classes that may not be available at your home university? Below, Lauren outlines her classes:
“This is actually my last semester, so I’m taking two classes to finish my history minor, and then my other three classes are just ones that sounded interesting! I’m taking Gods and Heroes (think Ancient Greece), The Holy Roman Empire, Irish Language 1, and The Cultural Heritage of Early Irish Society. There are loads of other topics as well, these are just the classes I thought were interesting… I loved all my classes!”
Apart from her classes, Lauren also loved the Irish people and culture, as she explains:
“Everyone I have met here has been so nice! People have given me advice on places to visit, helped me find my bus, and just chatted with me! It’s a really lovely culture.”
Advance your degree and soak up the world-famous Irish culture with an AIFS Abroad study abroad program like these students did in Ireland!
AIFS Abroad offers a range of programs in Ireland, each tailored to meet specific academic and personal preferences. With a study abroad program in Ireland, you can earn credits, immerse yourself in the welcoming Irish culture, and travel throughout Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Choose AIFS Abroad and take advantage of our valuable program inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.