Through this program, designed in partnership with the Big 10 universities, students take courses taught by University College Dublin (UCD) faculty, including advanced physics and a Modern Ireland course that seeks to recreate the excitement, turmoil, and difficulties faced by the country from the Irish Revolution through Brexit.

International experiences offer students the opportunity to observe and engage in engineering as a global profession. Participants on this program in particular will benefit from the following professional development opportunities:

• Networking: Participants will network with Irish faculty as well as students from other Big 10 schools.
  
• Professional Practice: Participants will develop intercultural competence through working with students from different backgrounds, and thriving independently in foreign environment.
  

To learn more about this program, watch the YouTube video: Big 10 UCD Physics and History Summer School.

Academic Program

All participants must enroll the following courses, earning 7 semester hours (s.h.) of Iowa resident credit. Each course is taught by UCD faculty.

Introductory Physics II for Engineers (4 s.h.)

This course satisfies the PHYS:1612 with lab requirement (or equivalent).

• General Physics II with Lab- Syllabus

Course Description

The principal aim of this course is to provide a firm understanding of physical concepts and processes leaning heavily upon standard physics U.S. textbooks. Another principal aim of the course will be to apply the concepts learnt to recent advances in our understanding of science in general. In particular, ways in which engineering applications may be better understood from a physics viewpoint will be stressed. The treatment of calculus is as per standard engineering courses- it is used in instruction, and examined in the MCQ or written papers.

Modern Ireland From the Irish Revolution to Brexit (3 s.h.)

• Modern Ireland From the Irish Revolution to Brexit- Syllabus

• Note: Engineering Majors- This course satisfies a general education requirement for engineering majors.

Course Description

The module seeks to recreate the excitement, turmoil and difficulties of modern Irish history. It will outline and explain the course of the Irish Revolution that established an independent Ireland, and investigate the lasting legacies of that period that can still be felt today. The module will also look at current challenges faced by Ireland, notably by examining the legacies of the conflict in Northern Ireland and the Peace Process culminating in the Good Friday Agreement, and the impact that the border continues to have on Irish life against the backdrop of the impending exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

Transcripts and Grades

Your courses will be graded using the US letter grade system. University College Dublin will send your grade report to the University of Iowa several weeks after the end of your program. Your grades will then be applied to your UI and cumulative GPA as resident credit.

Students can expect their grades to appear on their UI grade report around two or three months after they return from studying abroad.

Cultural Activities

Students will receive an orientation from UCD staff on arrival to Dublin. UCD will also provide a cultural program for students to engage in the local and surrounding communities. The program will include two day-trips to places of cultural significance in and around Dublin.

Program Dates

Program dates vary by session. Dates for future sessions are expected to be similar to previous sessions, and will be finalized be early spring.

Dates for the Summer 2024 session will be: May 26 - July 12.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application for this program, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

University College Dublin

University College Dublin (UCD), the largest university in Ireland, is ranked as the #2 university in Ireland according to U.S. News and World Report, founded in 1854. The university focuses on research and innovation, including large-scale collaborations with industry, and multidisciplinary research.

Dublin

Dublin is a vibrant, European capital city of historical and cultural importance. From its many theaters to its beautiful parks to its friendly, cozy pubs, Dublin is an excellent place to be educated and entertained.

Ireland

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean. The country of Ireland (properly referred to as the Republic of Ireland) shares the island with Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country that is a member of the European Union. Northern Ireland is the name of the other country on Ireland, and is a member of the United Kingdom along with Scotland, Wales, and England.

Ireland is a nation of about 4.5 million people. Ireland’s friendly population, gorgeous natural environment, unique culture, and rich history make it a fantastic place to study. Ireland’s contribution to literature written in English and indeed other languages is immense, and so the country is an ideal destination for students who want to make the exploration of literature and language the focus of their time abroad.

Cultural Resources

Dublin

Ireland’s official tourism page on Instagram
The James Joyce Center
Dublin Writers Museum
IES Dublin Center
The Gate Theatre
The Abbey Theatre
The Gaiety Theatre
The Samuel Beckett Theatre
Dublin Castle
National Museum of Archeology & History
National Gallery of Ireland
Dublin city website and information gateway
The Irish Times
Trinity College Dublin

Irish History & Culture links

CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts
Historical Walking Tours of Dublin
The 1916 Rebellion
Kilmainham Goal
Irish Culture & Customs
The Irish Language
The Irish Traditional Music Archive

Travel sites

Lonely Planet: Ireland
Rick Steves' Ireland
Discover Ireland

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Students will be housed in UCD campus housing in single occupancy bedrooms. Each room shares a common kitchen and bathroom in pods of 3-4 rooms per ‘pod’. Student housing provides free wi-fi, and access to laundry facilities. Bed linens are provided. UCD provides weekly bed linen and towel change.

All students will be given a UCD meal plan consisting of lunch and dinner during the work week (Monday - Friday). On the weekends, excursions, and holidays, students will be responsible for their own meals. The main dining hall is closed on the weekends and holidays, but there are cafes and restaurants close to campus.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements (Flights)

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from UI Study Abroad or UCD.

Travel to Dublin: UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to Dublin for this program. Participants will make their own travel arrangements to Dublin with guidance from UI Study Abroad. The cost of travel to Dublin is not included in the course fee.

Local Transportation

Dublin has an excellent public transportation system comprised of buses and a light rail. A transportation pass for each student is included in the program fee. Dublin's modern, international airport provides a hub to all major European capital cities.

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Clear interest and commitment: This program is open to students of all academic backgrounds. Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA: Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  
• Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  
• STEM/Engineering major: Students must be enrolled in a STEM/Engineer-related major. 
  
• Successful completion of appropriate prerequisites and corequisites in math and physics: Students must be must have successfully completed MATH:1550, MATH:1560, and PHYS:1611 (4 sh) prior to the start of the program. 
  
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing Students must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing at the time the program begins.
  
• Approval by UI Study Abroad: A student’s application must be reviewed and approved by their University of Iowa study abroad advisor.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.
  

Costs

Students will be responsible for paying many of their program costs through their University of Iowa U-Bill, while other costs will be out-of-pocket costs paid by the student directly to vendors before and after going abroad. Refer to the cost sheets below for details on the costs associated with this program.

The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session. Final cost sheets for future sessions are typically available early in the semester before the session begins.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet- STEM and Irish Studies- Summer 2024

Calculating Fees

The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:

• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fees
• University of Iowa’s CISI health insurance
• Program course fees, housing, flight, and other costs of attendance

Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:

Personal Travel Costs

Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel outside of your host city or country during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.

The cost of personal travel depends entirely on each student’s individual travel plans and spending habits. Estimates for personal travel costs provided by past students on this program vary significantly from $800 to as much as $6,000 or more per session.

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fees Includes host university tuition, accommodation, meal plan (lunch and dinner Monday - Friday while on campus), flight and accommodation for Brussels excursion, orientation and social programs, e-text book, Dublin transportation pass (charged shortly before departure)
• Study Abroad Fees (charged shortly before departure)
• CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Food (all breakfasts, and all meals on weekends, holidays, and excursions) (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Round trip airfare from Cedar Rapids (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Optional local transportation (paid at student’s discretion while abroad)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Immigration fees (paid by student upon arrival in Ireland)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Cell phone (paid as needed while abroad)
• Textbooks (paid as needed while abroad)
• Personal travel expenses (paid as needed while abroad)

Financial Aid & Scholarships

You can find information about options for funding your study abroad experience, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc, on UI Study Abroad’s Funding Website.

How to Apply

University of Iowa students

• Meet with the appropriate study abroad advisor to discuss your study abroad plans well ahead of the application deadline. Your application will not be approved until you've completed this step. You can set up an appointment by calling UI Study Abroad at 319-335-0353 or through the Advising Appointment section of your MyUI account.
• Meet with your academic advisor(s) to discuss how this program might fit your graduation plans, and to ensure that it meets your academic and personal goals.
• If you and your academic advisor agree that this program is a good match for you, complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• Shortly after submitting your application materials, you will also need to complete materials for University College Dublin. Your UI Study abroad advisor will be in contact with you about these materials shortly after you apply to the program.
• The faculty director and your study abroad advisor will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance status within several weeks.

Post-Acceptance

Confirmation

If you are accepted to the program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form by mid-February.

After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work both with UI Study Abroad and UCD. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI study abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for Summer session are due on February 1.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Immigration/Visa

All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.