Ireland: AIFS at Maynooth University
Study abroad in Ireland with AIFS at Maynooth University.
Enjoy life in Ireland with cultural activities and excursions offered through AIFS, and opportunities for individual travel and exploration. Maynooth University is located just outside Dublin and is one of Ireland's fastest-growing universities! The University offers a wide range of courses that are an excellent fit for most majors, including the sciences.
Maynooth is situated in a charming and busy town with many shops, cafes and public transport options to Dublin, and home to a vibrant local community that offers students abundant opportunities to enjoy a very enjoyable social life.
Why Study Abroad in Ireland?
"I really enjoyed my experience in Ireland... I grew so much as a person... Not only did I gain experience that will help me in the job field, I gained experience that will help my everyday life now." - Rollins Study Abroad Alum
Academic Information
The Irish Educational System
- Fewer class hours per week, less contact with professors and less continuous assessment. Most professors have a lecture-based teaching style.
- Grades are based on only a few major assignments, such as a midterm and final exam.
- First-year students are already focused on their major or specialization, so introductory courses cover higher-level topics. 200-level or second-year courses are the equivalent of an upper-level course at Rollins.
- Self-discipline and self-directed study are required for success. Students are expected to keep up with coursework and reading without prompting.
Transfer of Credit
- Students on average take the equivalent of 15 credits during the semester at Maynooth.
- All courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credits and the grades are factored into the Rollins GPA.
- It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
- Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Ireland
Housing & Meals
- Students live in on-campus single room apartments with shared bathrooms, living and kitchen areas for 4-7 students.
- Students can buy groceries and cook in their shared kitchens.
- Maynooth’s campus has many cafes, convenience stores, and a cafeteria.
- There is no meal plan on campus.
Activities & Excursions
- AIFS includes a 2-night Dublin experience, an overnight excursion to Cork and Kilkenny and an Irish farm experience. They also offer optional excursions reasonably priced.
- The Student Union, on North campus, serves food and is a great way to meet students.
- There are thirty-six active Sports Clubs and different societies.
- On-campus facilities include an indoor sports hall and gymnasium, which offers indoor sporting activities, weekly aerobics and circuit training sessions, a swimming pool and playing fields.
- The International Office offers events for international students, such as a Chinese New Year Celebration, Thanksgiving Dinner, movie nights, student nights out, parties, and day and weekend trips. They also run the Student Buddy Network to pair a Maynooth Student with international students.
- The International Society organizes weekend trips to Galway and Belfast for a reasonable price.
Things to Consider
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page in MyRollins for resources.
Program Calendar: Fall 2024
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Sept 15 | Move-In Date |
| Sept 16-20 | Maynooth Orientation |
| Sept 23 | First Day of Classes |
| Oct 28-Nov 1 | Study Week (no classes) |
| Dec 20 | Last Day of Classes |
| Dec | Fall students will submit alternative assignments in December in lieu of exams. |
Program Calendar: Spring 2025
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| January 27 | Arrive |
| Jan 27-31 | Maynooth Orientation |
| Feb 4 | First Day of Classes |
| Mar 17-21 | Study Week (no classes) |
| Apr 21-25 | Easter Break |
| May 9 | Last Day of Classes |
| May 16-31 | Exam Period |
| May 31 | Depart |
Requirements for Admission
- Exceptional Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 3.2 GPA
- Required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Visit MyRollins to schedule an advising appointment.
Getting There
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Flight
Students arrange their own flight to Dublin and travel to their program housing in Maynooth via taxi or train.
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Orientation
Orientation is held prior to classes in September or January. This weeklong event welcomes all students to the University and includes talks, campus tours and introductions to the academic departments, student services and clubs and societies.
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Visa
- U.S. citizens are NOT required to have a visa to enter or study. However, they do need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 7 days of Arrival in Ireland.
- Staff at Maynooth will assist with this process.
- For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports & Visas Page in MyRollins.
Costs
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Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $30,290
Housing: $5,115
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Also Includes
Orientation, on-site transportation, group activities, one weekend excursion, program administration, and emergency insurance.
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Estimated Additional Costs
Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $800, on-site $370
Meals/food: $1,100
Passport $165
Visa: $300
Books/course materials: $160
Personal expenses: $1,100
Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0 -
Need-Based Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
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Living and Working
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Ireland has a high cost of living compared to the United States. Students attending Maynooth University for one semester are not eligible to work part-time--only students who are attending Maynooth University for one full year may work part-time on a student visa.
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