UNCW’s Higher Education @ Maynooth program provides students with meaningful internship opportunities to practice administrative and leadership work, conduct assessment or research-based projects, or develop educational or social programming for student and academic service units at an international institution of higher education. Interns work alongside international colleagues in applied experiences that augment their existing skills and experiences. Program objectives include gaining awareness of how Irish history and culture influence contemporary Irish life, including higher education; developing understanding of the organization and practice of higher education in an international context; and comparing the needs of
Irish and U.S. students and the services developed to support their engagement, development, and learning.
Location ....................................... Maynooth University, Ireland
Tentative Program Dates .................................Oct. 14-29, 2016
Program Leader(s):
Andrew Ryder, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Higher Education rydera@uncw.edu
Application Deadline: Friday, June 17
• To apply, log in at: https://itsappserv02.uncw.edu/ intprogapp/ and select your program of choice
• A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at time of application
• Students accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Students are eligible to apply for this program if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Degree-seeking student
• Good judicial standing
• 2.50+ GPA at time of application
• Completed 9 graduate credits hours in the M.Ed. or
Ed.D. in higher education concentration
• Letter from employer (full-time or graduate assistantship) verifying employer’s awareness of the program duration and granting the applicant permission to be away from work duties during that time. Applicants are responsible for time away through leave and compensation policies set by employers.
• Personal Statement

Accepted applicants must enroll in EDL 595 (M.Ed) or EDL 664 (Ed.D.) – International Internship, Fall 2016. Students in these hybrid courses meet together for four synchronous meeting dates (in-person or via WebEx): August 29, September 19, October
3, November 14 (Mondays, 5-7:15 PM). Attendance is required.
Prior to departure, students complete a required orientation and gain contextual knowledge through presentations on the history, culture, and higher education system in Ireland. Students also research their internship site and complete a 30-60 minute Skype interview with their internship supervisor. At Maynooth, students fulfill internship responsibilities, submit a series of written reflections, and attend required program excursions and cultural events. A final reflection and presentation are due at the November class meeting.
• Dublin walking tour, including Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the General Post Office
• Special Program Lectures on Comparative Higher Education and Irish Music
• Irish sport demonstrations
• Free weekend (10/22-23) for your own Irish Adventure - all of Ireland/Northern Ireland easily accessible by train or bus
• Lodging at Maynooth Univ. for duration of program
• Some meals (13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Two Maynooth Univ.-sponsored cultural programs
• Guided tour of Dublin, plus round trip Irish Rail Pass
(not included in program fee)
• Airfare from Wilmington to Dublin
• Dublin Airport Hopper - round trip from
Dublin to Maynooth
• Optional weekend excursions (selfplanned)
• Some meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 11 dinners)
Federal and state financial aid may be applied toward this program. Even if you are normally ineligible for financial aid, you should submit a financial aid application (FAFSA). You may find that you are eligible for additional funding.
UNCW students may also apply for a UNCW Education Abroad Grant and additional study abroad scholarships. Grant applications and additional information are available at: www.uncw.edu/international/abroad/aid.html
Maynooth Promotional Video: https://vimeo.com/147497987
Office of International Programs | 118 Friday Annex | UNC Wilmington | 601 South College Rd. | Wilmington, NC 28403-5965 | 910.962.3685 | studyabroad@uncw.edu