Location
  • Ireland
    • Dublin
    • Galway
    • Limerick
    • Maynooth
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Short Term, Spring, Summer
General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
English

Pricing

What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Classes Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Optional AIFS Abroad flight package at additional cost.

Nov 05, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
2 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Ireland with AIFS Abroad’s study, intern, and combined study + intern programs! Based in lively cities like Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Maynooth, you’ll have the chance to take a variety of courses at renowned universities. Engage with Ireland’s rich heritage through cultural excursions, local festivals, and community events that bring the vibrant spirit of the country to life. For those seeking hands-on experience, our internship opportunities span various fields allowing you to gain practical skills in a supportive environment. Why limit yourself when you can earn academic credit and gain professional experience when you choose to study and intern in Ireland? With AIFS Abroad’s dedicated guidance throughout your journey, you’ll create unforgettable memories while expanding your academic and professional horizons in this enchanting destination!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.
At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.
Everyone’s experience is unique. We recognize the location you choose can have an impact on your sense of belonging. We encourage you to use the information below as you review your options to select the program and location that will be the best choice for you. If you do not hold the identities that are amplified here, this information is still a great resource for you as well. It will give you a better understanding of those who have this identity.

Impact

In response to the overwhelming global climate crisis, AIFS Abroad is pleased to make Sustainability a key priority when considering organizational, operational, and programming decisions. We understand that the only way to effectively combat this crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change is to drastically reduce our environmental impact. Therefore, AIFS Abroad has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by the year 2025. AIFS Abroad is proud to announce we have signed the CANIE Accord, becoming the first US provider to make this commitment.

Program Highlights

  • Cultural and Social Activities
  • On-Site Program Director to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program
  • Personal/Professional Development: Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
  • Health & Safety 24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
  • Green Initiative: Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location

Popular Programs

Students gather for a welcome orientation in Dublin, Ireland.

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively city of Dublin, Ireland, with AIFS Abroad! Study a variety of academic program options at Dublin City University (DCU.) This program offers students an international experience living in a multicultural global capital city combined with the local, friendly small town feel that living in Ireland always brings.

DCU has the added distinction of becoming the world’s first designated autism-friendly university.

Participants posing at the University of Limerick

Spend a summer, semester, or academic year in the picturesque and friendly city of Limerick, Ireland, with AIFS Abroad! Choose from a variety of course options at the University of Limerick, one of Europe’s most prestigious public universities and rated the second best university in the world for international students.

Participant looking at Maynooth University

Spend a summer, semester, or academic year in the lively college town of Maynooth, Ireland, with AIFS Abroad! Study a variety of academic program options at Maynooth University, one of the leading new universities in the world. Located just 15 miles west of Dublin and close to Maynooth Castle, the campus is home to over 13,000 students from over 90 countries.

Students posing in celebratory Irish wear

Dublin is a fantastic city for both first-time travelers and seasoned veterans. We offer some of the best internships Ireland has to offer. Internships in Galway, Ireland are ideal if you are looking for an internship in an English-speaking location, but still want the experience of an international internship. The city offers placements in Marketing, Bio Engineering, Social Services, Law, Psychology, and Hospitality, among many other fields.

Participant in Ireland

Why limit yourself to one program when you can study and intern in Ireland with AIFS Abroad? Receive credit for your courses and internship while gaining professional experience in an international city.

Program Reviews

4.89 Rating
based on 96 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.54%
  • 4 rating 11.46%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.65
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.5
  • Housing 4.6
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 96 reviews
Default avatar
Hayley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maynooth: The Best Decision I've Ever Made

I studied abroad at Maynooth University for an entire Spring semester. Maynooth grabbed my attention because it was the perfect mix of a big and small university. My home university in the US is extremely small so I wanted something a little bigger, and at Maynooth University you get the perfectly sized university in a lovely walkable town that's only 30 minutes from Dublin! Being able to walk down to town from my dorm within 5 or so minutes was extremely convenient and always a fun time with friends. The classes were also very well taught and class size could range from small to large. I really enjoyed the classes that I took at Maynooth, I noticed a lot of differences in terms of perspectives and information in comparison to what I have been taught at my home university. Their grading system is also a little different, so if you get a 60 on a paper, DONT PANIC! That actually is a very good score in their grading system.
In AIFS's program, it was required that we lived on campus in the dorming apartments. These apartments are shared between 5 people, everyone has their own room (with a lock) and a bathroom and a common area that is shared with a living room and kitchen. I absolutely loved this dorming style because I had my own space while also being able to go out and interact with all my roommates! While living on campus, I made friends that will easily last a life-time. Two of them were my roommates in our apartment, and the other one lived right down the strip of dorm buildings that we met while at a pub! It took me a minute to gain the courage to talk to new people, but once I realized how polite everyone was, I got settled in and forced myself out of my shell which made making friends a lot easier than I thought.
Another huge perk to going abroad is the amount of little weekend trips you can easily take to new areas in Ireland, and all around Europe. The trips I took ranged all over, I went to Italy, France, Scotland, England, Germany, and Spain. Having the ability to travel so easy like that started my love for traveling and my yearn to learn about new cultures. The fun outings and activities AIFS had set up for my program also helped me be absorbed into the rich culture Ireland has. When you get to Maynooth, you will have a university contact who will help you through the culture shock, adjustment of living in a new country, and will be there for any questions and concerns you have. They're there to help you feel comfortable!
Overall, studying at Maynooth made me gain a lot of independence in my day-to-day life. Because I was alone in a country I was not familiar with, it forced me to make decisions for myself and learn to live by myself. The experiences I had, the new perspectives I learned, and the variety of cultures I encountered opened my mind and educated me more about the world I live in. I fell in love with Ireland and I think it will always have a special place in my heart because of this semester I studied abroad and I would not go back and change anything. Some advice I would give anyone wanting to study abroad but is currently nervous and scared, its nowhere near as scary as your mind is making you think. At the end of the day, the journey of being abroad is what you make of it, your in control of how you want to spend your time while abroad! The opportunities are endless. And if you're debating on attending Maynooth for a semester, DO IT! It will be the best decision you will have ever made.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
There was one morning where my friends and I decided we wanted to see the sunrise at this little rocky beach that's off the side of the Howth Cliff Walk in Howth. Howth is about 2 hours from Maynooth given the trains and bus times. Because of this, we had to get up at 3:00 AM in order to make it to this little beach in time. We took a bus to Dublin, a taxi to the train station, and then a train to Howth. My friend was the one that told us about this little beach so we were following her lead, only to find out the small beach was at the bottom of the cliffs in Howth. So essentially, we had to slowly climb down this steep and slick set of rocky stairs on the side of the Cliffs of Howth in the dark at about 5:00 AM. We then got down to the beach area (slowly but surely) and took a dip in the freezing water. While this was a long and treacherous journey, the sunrise was absolutely beautiful. I think that is the most surprising thing I have ever done since I am deathly afraid of heights! and somehow convinced myself to climb down the side of a cliff.
Pros
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Forever Friends
  • Unique Experiences
Cons
  • Culture shock
  • Cell Phone Data can be difficult to figure out
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Irish experience

Going abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made. Dublin offers so much to explore: efficient and affordable transportation lets you easily reach the beach, farms, or charming new towns. The local area is vibrant with endless activities, and the locals are incredibly friendly. I’ve never felt safer walking at night than I do here. The group trips were fantastic, and our advisor Sharon was always available to assist with any issues or offer great recommendations. Every day brings a new adventure in this amazing city.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I’ve sampled various foods abroad, but Irish Chinese spice bags quickly became my favorite. These takeaways feature a mix of potatoes, chicken, and vegetables, all seasoned with Chinese five spice. It’s a delicious combination that I quickly became addicted to.
Pros
  • Food
  • Atmosphere
  • Views
Cons
  • Weather
  • Isolation from home
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Annie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Galloping In Galway

Interning in Galway was the best thing I ever chose to do! As a social work major I never thought I would have the opportunity to work abroad because social issues are different based on countries and regions. However, AIFS was able to guarantee a position for me in a Domestic Abuse Service through COPE Galway where I was able to use my knowledge from the U.S to help those in need in Ireland. There was not a social worker in the service, so I was able to bring a different perspective that worked really well in the environment. Even though our two countries have differences I was able to use those to my advantage and gain a wonderful experience working abroad that I can take with me in my future practice. If you are thinking about Interning but not sure that it will work with your major, don't worry! The staff is willing to work with you and find a program that fits you best, but if Galway is on your mind they have SO many options and I know you will find your fit.

Best of luck!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I would say the most surprising thing I saw while in Ireland was when my group and I went to the Cliffs of Mor for the day. Before I had left, I would always see videos of puffins in Ireland around the coastline and I wanted to spot one so bad while I was there. Well, I did! It wasn't that close, but a puffin flew right in front of me and my friends while were looking over the edge and was amazing to see one out in the wild because they are so cute! If you ever get the chance, try and make your way to the Cliffs for some puffin sightings, you will not regret it.
Pros
  • Beautiful City
  • Cultural Festivals
  • Easy to navigate
Cons
  • Rocky transportation (make sure to leave early because the bus is almost never on time)
  • Galway is the rainiest city in Ireland (not bad just be prepared)
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
JayciLynn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The BEST Summer of My Life!

Where do I even begin?! Galway is, hands down, my favorite place ever! The city isn't crazy & chaotic, like Dublin & London, but still exciting, beautiful & lively. People are performing music all over the streets all hours of the day, which adds a perfectly authentic vibe. The pubs are so much fun and the shops are cute to shop around in. The Tiny Traders Village on the weekends was also great if you're like me & enjoy buying from local crafters! The nightlife is great! There's not many clubs, but the pubs are amazing and so much fun anyway, so I didn't mind missing out on clubs. Additionally, the locals are some of the kindest & most welcoming people ever! I never had a single bad interaction with anyone!

Galway's location advisor, Karen, is also amazing! She is so fun to hang out with, and so helpful all of the time. There's nothing you can't talk to her about. She is so welcoming & loving, which really helped with my homesickness.

I was also able to do traveling on the weekends around the day trips Karen planned for us (Aran Islands & Connemara)! I was able to solo travel to London & the Cliffs of Moher, as well as going on group trips to Edinburgh, Scotland & Nantes, France. While the distance to a nearby airport isn't the best, it really isn't that big of a deal & honestly adds to the experience.

I would recommend Galway to absolutely anyone. If you want a TRUE Irish experience, choose Galway! I had the best summer of my life here, and I'm so sad it went by so fast! However, I fully intend to come back upon finishing my degree to turn Galway into my permanent home. :)

PS - when you come here, go to Salthill beach & jump off the diving board!! So much fun!

Pros
  • Lively streets with music & cute shops & pubs
  • Great nightlife
  • Gorgeous city
Cons
  • Public transit isn't always the best (not terrible, but not perfect)
19 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kat
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Why you SHOULD Study Abroad in Galway

Studying abroad in Galway was the best experience of my life. If you are looking for a beautiful, charming and fun city to live in, you've found it in Galway. This city is now my favorite place in the world and I tell everyone I meet that they have to go at some point in their lives.
The program itself was such a great experience and helped me grow both professionally and personally. The internship I was placed into was perfect for what I needed I learned so much from my supervisor. Additionally, the friends and connections I made while in Galway will last a lifetime.

Also, the location coordinator, Karen is the best and will make your experience abroad endlessly better.

69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anzsia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interning in Galway

I can't imagine going anywhere else! Galway is truely such a unique and amazing city with so many places to go and things to see. I really think that the small town vibe of the city made me love it even more as I really knew my way around the city after the first couple of weeks. My program also had around 20 people, which meant that we all got to know each other very well and we all became close friends. I also loved my internship placement and thought it was a perfect fit for what I was looking for!

Pros
  • The people are so kind and welcoming
  • Not too expensive
  • Intimate small town
Cons
  • Gloomy weather
  • Harder to travel to other countries in Europe
  • Less food variety
64 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sydney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Galway is the best!

I absolutely loved my experience in Galway! It's such a unique place to study abroad in and I am so grateful I chose this location. My internship placement was so amazing and I was excited to go to work everyday. Exploring the city with other interns in the program was so much fun and the city is so welcoming and safe. The group is usually smaller here which helped me create close relationships with the other students. I cannot recommend this location and program enough. The program staff, Karen, is awesome! I promise you will love it here!

Pros
  • I learned and grew as a person so much!
  • I formed great friendships!
  • I got to experience a new culture where I felt so welcomed!
Cons
  • The time difference is a bit hard from the US!
  • It took a while to adjust to the food.
  • It was also hard to adjust to the accents at first, especially at my internship.
69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best decision ever!

If you are looking for a sign to intern abroad in Galway, this is it! Galway is such a quaint city that I felt right at home from the very first day. It is a large enough city that you will still find new things every time you go into town but not too big to where you feel overlooked. The friendships I made will last a lifetime which is one of my favorite parts looking back on my time in Ireland. Some of those connections were with my coworkers at the nursing home I interned for which was full of joy and allowed me to gain loads of experience to take back with me to my nursing program. This entire experience was easily one of the best decisions I could have made for professional growth as well as personal growth!

Pros
  • I made friends for a lifetime!
  • I gained heaps of health experience that will help me before I start my program.
  • There was a lot of personal growth that I never would have gotten if I did not intern abroad.
Cons
  • I was the only one on my program which was a tough adjustment.
  • The weather took some getting used to because Galway was quite cold, and where I am from is very warm.
82 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers