Study in Carlow, Ireland

Spring Dates: early January – early May
Fall Dates: early September – mid-December

Program Overview

In this semester-long program, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Irish culture and history on the Emerald Isle while earning Madison College credit. Courses are held at Carlow College, one of Ireland’s oldest educational institutions.

Affectionately referred to as “Carlow Town” by the locals, Carlow is best described as a quintessential Irish country town. In this town, located about 50 miles south of Dublin, a wide selection of merchant shops and traditional pubs line the cobblestone streets of Carlow’s bustling city centre.

Course Information

All students are required to take “The Irish Experience” (3 credits), which provides an introduction to the history, culture, and people of Ireland and combines classroom presentations and discussions with guided and independent field trips. Students then select from an approved list of three to four additional courses in the humanities and social sciences.

Accommodations and Meals

Students live in furnished apartments with 2-5 other students. Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen and living room and three bedrooms, and is self-contained with its own front door. The apartments are a 5-minute walk from Carlow Town Centre and Carlow College.

Housing is included in the program cost; however, meals are not included. A nice selection of grocery stores and eating establishments is located with walking distance.

Excursions

As part of the program cost, students will experience a number of excursions and cultural activities. Possible excursions may include:

• Dublin                                                                                                             

• Kilkenney Castle

• Duckett’s Grove

• Dunhill Caves

Additional Information

A passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Ireland. If you need to apply for a     passport, it is advised to allow at least 6 weeks for standard processing. A visa may be  necessary and will be purchased once students arrive in Carlow.

All students are required to attend the pre-departure orientation. This orientation provides information on health and safety, packing and trip planning, flight logistics, and other essential information.

Students are accompanied by a visiting U.S. faculty member who provides oversight for the program and assistance to students as needed.

Cost

The program fee for Fall 2011 is approximately $8150, which includes:

• Application fee                                               

• Tuition and instructional costs                                    

• Course-related field trips

• Housing

• Health insurance

Additional costs include:

• Airfare and airport transfer to/from Carlow
• All meals
• Books
• Rufundable houseing security deposit
• Spending money
• Passport (if you do not have one) and visa

To Apply

The application deadline for Fall semester is in May; the deadline for Spring semester is in October. All materials, including the initial deposit of $500 (made payable to Kishwaukee College), must be received by 4:00 p.m. in the Center for International Education. (NOTE: Unless an applicant is rejected, the $500 deposit is non-refundable.) Application form.

For More Information

If you would like to know more about studying abroad through Madison College, please StudyAbroad[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (email us) or call 608-246-6201 to schedule an appointment.

Carlow College

Carlow Tourism