As both a modern, technological society and a country steeped in history, Ireland beckons with its lush green hills and friendly people. Whether your focus is politics, science, or all things Irish, you'll find it in one of three distinct locations. Home to over 1 million people, the Dublin has a varied cultural scene and student-friendly atmosphere. Cork boasts a flourishing arts scene with public painting and galleries as well as international film festivals. Known as the most Irish of Ireland’s cities, Galway proudly maintains the native Irish language. This growing city, with its winding lanes and brightly painted pubs, remains small and easy to navigate.
Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Stay on Track to Graduate
Studying abroad integrates into your degree when you plan ahead. Discover how UC credit transfers, explore courses that satisfy major or general education requirements, and read student tips on planning what courses to take abroad. Connect with your campus advisor early to build a schedule that aligns with your graduation timeline.
Questions about study abroad?
Get Application Support
Connect with our advising team to get your questions answered and start planning your study abroad experience:
- Interactive workshops: Attend a live Thursday session of A Beginner's Guide to UCEAP to set goals, explore academic and funding resources, and prepare your application.
- Drop-in advising: Join casual virtual Q&A sessions available Monday through Friday to speak with region-specific advisors and learn alongside fellow students.
- One-on-one appointments: Book an individual virtual session with an advisor for general questions or specialized guidance focused on your target region.
- UC campus advisors: Meet with advisors at your home UC campus for guidance on academic planning, major credit petitions, campus financial aid, and registration.
Planning Steps to Study Abroad
Mapping Your Study Abroad Journey
Preparing to study abroad takes up to a year, and the best way to avoid missing out is to start right now. Deadlines for program applications, travel documents, course approvals, and scholarship applications arrive quickly. Check our interactive timeline to pinpoint your next step for this term and keep your plans on schedule.
Funding and Affordability
Paying for Study Abroad
Your UC financial aid, grants, and scholarships travel with you, and some programs cost less than a term on campus. Explore the Making Study Abroad Affordable Guide (written by UC students who've done it) for budgeting tips, estimating your expenses, and making your global experience fit your financial plan.
Family and Support
Involve Your Support Network
Bringing your family into your study abroad plans early helps everyone feel confident and prepared. Share key details about health, safety, finances, and academic credit using our family and support network guide. For advice on starting informative and constructive conversations, check out our tips for talking with your family and friends about your global goals.
Beyond allowing me to improve my research, writing, and editing skills, my internship improved my professional confidence immensely. While I expected to enjoy working in parliament, I did not predict how much impact this work would have on my future career goals. I was set on attending law school after graduation, and I was able to reflect and recognize that there are many other political careers I hadn't considered. After my experience, I've developed a strong interest in pursuing a career in speech writing or policy research. More than the professional development, I was reminded of the awe-inspiring power that elected representatives are given and how that power, when used correctly, can make the world a more peaceful and equitable place.
I wouldn't be the same person if I'd stayed in California that semester, and shedding my expectations helped me create my version of Ireland—one that pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me incredible friendships, and challenged me to make my own way.
Getting your bearings isn't just for beginnings—figuring things out stays forever at the top of your to-do list. There are always more songs to hear, more folk tales to read, and more James Joyce references to unlock. Immersion is never finished. A place, with its culture and customs, is an object that is impossible to put down.
As an English Literature and Global Studies double major, my study abroad program supplemented my studies perfectly. I was better able to understand how European society views American politics. Seeing the US through another country's lens was odd, and it shed light on how much influence the US has on global politics. I realized that it is incredibly important, now more than ever, for the US to serve as an example for the rest of the world when it comes to issues such as eradicating poverty, homelessness, racial and gender inequality, and combating isolationism.
Studying abroad with UCEAP in Ireland was one of the best decisions I’ve made in college. I got to take incredible, one-of-a-kind classes that combined both of my majors, psychology and political science, while immersing myself in a vibrant new culture. This experience gave me more confidence, independence, and clarity about my goals, and truly expanded the way I see the world. I can’t recommend it enough!
