The Program

Whether you have Irish heritage, love all things Celtic or want to explore a vibrant music and arts culture, Ireland has something for you!

As a UW-Eau Claire student at the University of Limerick, you will be immersed in the life of an Irish university student. You can choose a wide range of courses taught by Irish professors, with Irish classmates. You will live in on-campus housing with Irish and international roommates. As a past student commented, "My semester was incredible! I learned so much about the culture, school system and lifestyles of Irish people as well as of people from around the world. The best part of the program was being integrated with the Irish students and with students from other states and countries in accommodation as well as in classes."

Location

At the heart of the Shannon Region in Ireland's Midwest, Limerick is a city of historic and literary interest. Founded as a Viking fortress in the 10th century, it is Ireland's oldest chartered city. Restoration and urban renewal in Limerick have begun in recent years restoring several historic sites.

The University of Limerick (UL) was established in 1972, on an old estate three miles from the city. It quickly gained a reputation for innovation and academic excellence among Irish universities. It has become a focus of artistic activity and is home to fine collections of Irish art, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the Irish World Music Center.

With breathtaking beauty and a long, dramatic history, Ireland is extremely attractive to students because of its renown in literature, film and popular music. The University of Limerick International Office organizes field trips to Dublin and western Ireland. Counties Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry and Tipperary are all within a day's journey of Limerick.

Courses

As a study abroad student, you may select from a broad range of business, computer science, education, humanities, and science classes in Limerick. A multi-disciplinary Irish Studies program is also available. A recent course catalog is available in the Center for International Education, 111 Schofield Hall. Current information is on the web at http://www.ul.ie/internationaleducation

Accommodations

The university has residential villages specifically designed for Irish and international students. Individual two-story terraced houses of 6-8 bedrooms are arranged in landscaped courtyards in an attractive village style. Each house offers single study-bedrooms, a large kitchen/living room, two bathroom facilities, telephones, and cable TV.

Student Life

The University of Limerick campus is similar in size to UW-Eau Claire. The campus has restaurants, a bookstore, full banking services, laundry facilities, and sports and recreation facilities. There is also a modern dance company, a chamber orchestra, and a national art collection. You are encouraged to get involved with some of the 70 student clubs and organizations.

Academic Calendar

You may study at the University of Limerick for either semester or the full academic year.  Fall semester begins in early September and ends before Christmas. Spring semester starts in late January and ends in late May. During spring semester, there is a one-week break. Exact dates will be available the semester prior to departure.

Expenses

The estimated Wisconsin resident fee for one semester in 2008-2009 is $9,044. This includes full-time UW-Eau Claire tuition, CISI insurance, and administrative fees. Minnesota residents may apply for reciprocity, non-residents add non-resident fees.

Additional costs: room, meals, passport, international or local transportation, books, or personal expenses. Estimate another $6,230 to $7316 for these items.

Total Wisconsin resident cost estimate for one semester: $15,274-$16,360. Costs estimates may change at any time.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

If you qualify for financial aid, you can apply your aid to program costs. Your financial aid package will be based on actual costs in Ireland, including the cost of round-trip airfare.  You can learn about additional options, including a study abroad grant through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation; a Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad and scholarships for specific majors and national study abroad scholarships at http://uwec.edu/CIE/sac/finaid.htm.

Eligibility

To apply, you must be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Eau Claire student. You need to be in good academic standing and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.  You may apply as a freshmen but need sophomore standing by the beginning of the program.

Application Deadline

Applications for Fall 2008/Academic Year 2008-09 are accepted beginning September 4, 2007.  The priority application deadline for Fall/Academic Year 2008-09 is November 15, 2007.

Applications for Spring 2009 are accepted beginning January 15.  The priority application deadline for Spring 2009 is April 1, 2008.

Complete applications will be reviewed after these dates.  Late applications will be considered if space on the program is still available.  Please contact the Center for International Education to find out if spaces are available before submitting a late application.  No applications will be accepted after January 15, 2008 for Fall 2008/Academic Year 2008-2009, or after May 1, 2008 for Spring 2009.

You can download an application at online applications, or stop by to pick up an application in the Center for International Education.

Student Comments

My confidence level is higher and my mind is so much more open. I'd come back in a heart beat. Anna, past participant

I loved studying in Limerick. James, past participant

It was a wonderful experience, full of new things, new people and a beautiful countryside.  I love Ireland and hope I get to come back some day, it has probably been the best experience of my life and I will be sad to go. Megan, past particpant

My time in Ireland was a cultural experiment.  I had access not only to students from Ireland but from the entire world.  Academically, U of L is a prestige university with access to a wide range of classes and the professors are top notch.  Overall, it was a good craic, and I'd love to go back again. -Ryan, past participant

"My time abroad gave me a perspective of this world and my place in it that I could have never have come to without leaving. It was a time to reflect on my past, present and future in a different environment. I grew so much as a person in such a short time. My college experience has become so much better because of my time abroad."
-Billy, past participant

"My experience in Ireland was one of the most rewarding of my life. Never before have I experienced another culture to such an extent. I loved all my friends, my professors were absolutely some of the best I've ever had, and the country and people in it were wonderful. I would do this again in a second!"
-Julie, past participant

"There really aren't any words to describe how amazing Ireland was. I have come away a new person, with new life and new hopes for my future. I was so fortunate to have had this experience. I have learned so much, not only about myself, but about a different culture and a different lifestyle. Overall, this journey was nothing short of fabulous. I am coming home without regrets and with an immense longing to stay here forever. The people I have met are ones that will be my forever friends and always in my heart."
-Chelsea, past participant

"Studying abroad in Ireland was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made so many great friends and have memories that will stay with me forever. The people in Ireland are so much fun and the accent is the best. I will definitely return to Ireland sometime in my life...it's too good not to go back."
-Jessica, past participant

"I have made life-long friendships with people from Eau Claire, around the States, and right here in Ireland. I would recommend this program to everyone!! I know I will be back to visit-I love this country."
-Jessica, past participant

"My experience in Ireland was life changing. It not only gave me the chance to see the world from a different perspective, it gave me the chance to see America from a different eye also. The Irish are wonderful people! I will never forget this experience and I wish I had more money to stay forever!"
-Joanna, past participant

Additional Information

For more information or an application, contact:

Center for International Education
Schofield 111
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI   54702-4004

Phone: (715) 836-4411
Fax: (715) 836-4948
Email: studyabroad@uwec.edu