IRELAND FIELD TRIPS
KEI organizes cultural activities in Dublin, a field trip to Glendalough and an overnight excursion to Galway (semester only). Students enrolled in the Irish History & Culture course also visit Belfast. Transportation, lodging and admission for planed activities are included in the program fee. KEI reserves the right to change planned excursions for destinations of equal value and interest. Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals and interest. Academic year and multiple term students participate on planned excursions during their first term of study.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and the political, diplomatic, administrative and commercial center of the country. A Dublin city tour is organized during the orientation period. Additional activities are planned during the semester by the Onsite Director.
Glendalough
Just a short distance outside of Dublin, Glendalough lives up to its traditional name meaning “The Valley of the Two Lakes.” It’s a peaceful, pastoral scene, perfect for hiking and nature-watching. Perhaps the remote setting was what drew Glendalough’s most famous settler, St. Kevin. This early saint retreated to the valley in 6th century and built a monastery. Although the monasterial complex was mostly destroyed in the 8th and 12th centuries, parts of it remain and serve as breathtaking focal points in the countryside.
Galway (Overnight; Semester Only)
Galway, the largest county in Connaught, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes center stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. Galway is a spectacularly beautiful county with a medley of contrasts – the wildest and remote countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities. Galway City at the mouth of Galway Bay is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned speciality shops, often featuring locally made crafts.
Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital, is a port city known as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic and for the 20th century conflict between the IRA and Britain. In recent years, the city has seen a rebirth with restored Victorian architecture, a glittering waterfront lined with modern art, renovated dockyards, a fantastic foodie scene and music-filled pubs. The excursion to Belfast is organized as part of the Irish History & Culture course. Enrollment in the course is required.
TESTIMONIALS
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My semester in Ireland was more than just an educational opportunity. It was an opportunity to immerse into a new culture, travel, and form life long friendships with people from all over the world. KEI provided the guidance and structure that I was looking for in a program, as well as preplanned trips that allowed me to see some of Ireland’s greatest treasures. KEI gives you the support and resources to explore the world and learn in ways that a classroom will never be able.
Apart from missing my family, Thanksgiving in Ireland was one for the books… Although our Thanksgiving dinner was a little unorthodox, it was delicious all the same. We had a few traditional items: chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. We also had a few international treats; our French friends brought miniature croque monsieu sandwiches, and my roommate made a Lebanese dish. View my video.
I have been having a blast here in Dublin! Everything is going better than expected and I am just so glad I was able to be a part of this program. I would be honored if you read my blog.
Studying abroad at Griffith has brought a lot of experience that I will use for the rest of my life. I made a lot of great freinds who I can use as contacts if I decide to travel back to Europe. I am really glad I did it. View my video.
Ireland was absolutely amazing! KEI did a great job making sure we were well prepared in advance and then had the outlets for support while we were there. The price was lower than any other program and it was well worth the cost! I will definitely put the word out there about the KEI program. Thanks for everything!!
Things are going very well. The Onsite Director is great. I have made good friends with others in the program and I really enjoyed working at the radio station. I have a lot of free time here – I am finding ways to have fun. Thanks for all the help!
I greatly appreciated all the calls and information from the KEI team before my departures. Also, the opportunity itself was the greatest thing I have experienced thus far. I hope to keep this relationship alive for a long time to come.
I studied fashion merchandising in Dublin, Ireland! I created a blog to document the awesome journeys and to share with anyone who cares to know! I traveled frequently, learned and experienced everything possible, and acquired an Irish accent 🙂
What I like most about Griffith is the international students. Living with a French roommate and getting to know his culture… it’s fantastic. My most memorable experience is being able to visit Hope, a small fishing village. Its one of the first things we did here as a group. The best tip I have is to be yourself and try to meet as people. Everyone is really friendly. View my video.
What I like most about Griffith is the location because it is close to the city center. We have access to everywhere throughout the city. My favorite event has been surfing at Lahinch, a small town in Ireland. We got to surf and hangout with everyone. It’s just a lot of fun. View my video.
