Program Details
Location
Belfast & Dublin,
Ireland
Term
Winter Break
Housing
Apartment
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
Videos
Leadership & Social Change in Ireland
About
While Northern Ireland is often viewed as a model for peace and reconciliation, more walls have gone up since the peace agreement was signed, and there is still pervasive segregation between Catholics and Protestants. In this seminar, we will visit several “interface” areas where ordinary citizens and informal leaders are attempting to facilitate change and provide safe strategies to move forward from this conflict. We will also learn about the role of elected officials and how their views and strategies might be similar or different from the community organizations.
The Brexit discussion and implementation in the past few years has also reopened the divide that was present during the Troubles. The challenges currently facing the two major parties (Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party) in Northern Ireland to work together and compromise will provide a good comparative analysis with the US structure of governance.
Course Description
Throughout the seminar, explore different views on the future of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We will cover the historical, cultural, and political events that led to the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland. We will examine the ethics of the role that the United Kingdom played, as well as the strategies used by leaders on both sides in Northern Ireland.
Through excursions and assignments, you will reflect on your capacity for leadership and cultural competence, as well as how you might use them to impact change on a social issue important to you.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, and some other additional meals, are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.
Excursions
This program will be based primarily in Dublin and Belfast. Excursions may include:
- Dublin city tours with Irish history lectures
- Visit to County Wicklow including Glendalough
- Literary Pub Crawl
- Belfast City Bus Tour
- Corrymeela, a non-profit retreat center on the Northern Ireland coast
- The Stormont Assembly, with the possibility of meeting local politicians
- Day trip to Derry /Londonderry including walking the city walls and the Peace Bridge
- Giant’s Causeway
- Grianan Aileach
- Tour of Trinity College
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This seminar is led by Maggie Harris, the Capstone Course & Global Programs Coordinator as well as a Teaching Specialist in the Leadership Minor, and has lead multiple programs abroad to Ireland and Bali.
Program Structure
Program Level
4000-level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
You will be assessed on attendance, participation, and assignments throughout the course. Assignments include a journal, papers, and digital story presentations.
This course can be tied to the Sustainable Development Goals through program activities including:
- #16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Receive Credit for: LEAD 4481
Liberal Education Fulfillments: Global Perspectives
Approved for a Leadership Minor Elective.
Approved for upper division elective credit in the Public and Nonprofit Management Co-Major.
Syllabus for Leadership & Social Change in Ireland (PDF)
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Program Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break Session 2024–2025 | December 27, 2024–January 19, 2025—Tentative | October 15, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
Winter Break 2024–25 Cost of Participation forthcoming
The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, some meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees range between $7,500–$8,500. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Bridging Loan
For Winter Break Programs:
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Winter Break 2023–24
Global Seminar: Leadership & Social Change in IrelandWinter Break 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $5,480 |
| International health insurance | $44 |
| Housing and/or mealsDouble Occupancy apartments/hotels, students will have at least three group meals during program. | $1,116 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $1,365 |
| Total Program Fee | $8,405 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $7,905 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documents | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $50 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $200 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included in program fee. | $400 |
| Essential daily living expensesCells phones needed. | $250 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $700 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $8,805 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $400 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Kate Meyer at [email protected],
or call at
612.626.7535