Program Reviews

I had a great experience with the program, and felt like I learned a lot through my internship at Hotpress Magazine. I am happy with the portfolio I built during the experience, and was grateful for the independence the program gave me, living in Dublin.

I also had a lovely time on program trips, traveling throughout the country and especially appreciated that they both had a mildly structured element, but also gave us time to explore on our own.

I built strong friendships with the people in my program as well, and am grateful for that.

Irish gap year has been an amazing experience for me as it has provided me with experiences I would not have had otherwise, not to mention how much practical work experience I have gained though this program, I’ve been working a job in the field I want to major in and i have learned so much before even going to college. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to several places I would not have otherwise, I’m so happy to be able to see so many places that I wouldn’t normally be able to visit. Irish gap year is awesome.

Deciding to go on this trip was one of the best decisions of my life. I got everything I wanted and more out of this program. I didn’t think that it would be as much fun as it was. You get to see such beautiful spots in Ireland some that you wouldn’t even think would exist. While I was here on our student led trip we visited the Muckross house and saw some 10,000 year old great Irish elk antlers. I also found some friends that I’ll never forget. If you’re on the edge of going on a gap year jdoit

I had a lot of fun while here. I got to try a lot of new things artistically that I had never done before and the staff here was very nice and helpful. I'm very happy I was in Ireland for this fall.

There’s enough freedom to go off and have fun with your fellow gapers but enough structure and activities so that your never bored. I wish we could have spent more time in Dublin because it’s such a big beautiful city with so much to do compared to Donegal. Lots of the little hostels were so cute and fun to cook the group led meals.

Such a great once in a lifetime experience that not many have done! I loved bonding with the other members of the program and the social scene at night! Trying out new kinds of art really broadened my perspective and interests that I haven’t looked into before. The leaders are great and have amazing interactions with us. I personally came a few weeks late to the program but everyone was super welcoming and I feel as if I fit in right away with the other members. I would definitely recommend this program to others and love to experience it again if I could.

This whole experience was incredible for me- I made many close friends on this trip, and have explored the use of different artistic mediums that I never would’ve had the chance to experiment with beforehand. The tutors were all so friendly and helpful with whatever I needed help with, and I have learned so much more about Irish culture and art from their guidance. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and have a meaningful time surrounded by incredible group leaders and friends.

Choosing the Irish Arts and Culture program was the best decision I could have made for my gap year experience. I improved my art in ways I couldn’t have even dreamed of and even more importantly I made the friends of a life time. I will never forgot this experience. The program leaders are funny, helpful, and extremely caring, any little problem that arose which were very few they helped solve before there was even a chance for it to truly become a real problem. If I was able I would honestly do this program again.

I had an incredible time in the Irish Gap Year Arts and Culture Program. The staff and teachers were really supportive and kind, and the local community was especially welcoming. I really grew as an artist through this program as it helped me build on old skills as well as develop new ones. This program also helped cultivate independence in myself and others. I made lifelong friends that I will continue to travel with. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I would definitely recommend IGY if you’re considering a GAP year in Ireland.

I loved the program. I love the fact that we were left alone like adults, but at the same time having tons of fun doing all the activities we were given, I loved the surfing, hiking and even the leadership workshops were fun. I think that the leaders did an amazing job and that was one of my favorite parts of the program. There was a nice mix of free time and activities and I really enjoyed that. It is interesting spending a whole 3 months with people you have never met before. I had a ton of fun and I highly recommend this program for people who love the outdoors.