Study Abroad in Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland

• Other Cities in Northern Ireland: 
Belfast

Term: Summer 
Dates: Summer

Description: Students will spend four weeks in Belfast studying Peace, Reconciliation, and Social Work, learning public engagement techniques that will be used in students' home communities to develop and implement community dialogues, and finding out about the culture of Northern Ireland by experiencing its people, cities, and landscapes.

The six credit course (offered through West Virginia University) allows you as a student to become familiar with the political, historical, and cultural background associated with "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland. You will visit communities affected by centuries of conflict between the Catholic Nationalists and the Protestant Unionists. In group discussions and individual reflection, you will examine the implications of social conflict on individuals, families, and communities and how these groups are using methods of dialogue and deliberation to develop and maintain an ongoing peace process. Your academic endeavors will be enhanced by the opportunity to meet and interact with people and places directly involved with this fierce conflict and the pursuit of peace: antagonists, peacemakers, victims, survivors, peace and reconciliation centers, former paramilitary and British military members, members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as Members of Parliament at Westminster.

In addition to time spent studying the rich political history of Northern Ireland, this unique course incorporates a 40 hour service-phase in which students apply the acquired skills of Public Deliberation and Sustained Dialogue to create a venue for public talk in their home community regarding possibly complex issues that require addressing the needs and desires of the whole.

Highlights: The backdrop to this program is Northern Ireland's stunning and fascinating beauty. In addition to your studies, a typical day in your experience might include unstructured exploration of Belfast, visits with local community members, a visit to Derry City to see the political walls, or a tour of the Northern Ireland Parliament. As a student, you will see firsthand the neighborhoods in conflict, experience the richness of rural and urban culture in Northern Ireland, and discover Belfast -- a city like no city in the world.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: A willingness to learn and serve in a new community.

Cost in US$: 6,623 USD

Transcripts for Non-West Virginia University students only.

USD 25 application-processing fee.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Northern Ireland in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Amizade Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs's Mission Statement: Amizade inspires individuals and communities through worldwide service and learning.

Year Founded: 1994