Ireland, Dublin
SUMMER 2009 PROGRAM HANDBOOK
The Dublin, Ireland program is offered by International Academic Programs (IAP) at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Office of International Programs (OIP) at the
University of Michigan. This IAP Program Handbook supplements the IAP Study Abroad
Handbook and provides you with the most up-to-date information and advice available at the
time of printing. Changes may occur before your departure or while you are abroad.
Questions about your program abroad (housing options, facilities abroad, etc.) as well as
questions relating to your relationship with your host university or academics (e.g. course credit
and equivalents, registration deadlines, etc.) should be directed to IAP at UW-Madison.
This program handbook contains the following information:
CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 3
On-site Program Information .................................................................................................. 3
University of Michigan Information .......................................................................................... 3
UW-Madison Information ........................................................................................................ 4
Emergency Contact Information ............................................................................................. 4
U.S. Embassy Registration ..................................................................................................... 4
PROGRAM DATES ................................................................................................................... 5
PREPARATION BEFORE LEAVING ........................................................................................ 5
Immigration Documents .......................................................................................................... 5
Handling Money Abroad ......................................................................................................... 5
Packing .................................................................................................................................. 5
Electronics .............................................................................................................................. 6
TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL ........................................................................................................... 6
THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM .................................................................................................... 7
Trinity College ........................................................................................................................ 7
USIT ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Trinity College Summer Program............................................................................................ 7
Orientation .............................................................................................................................. 7
Course Information ................................................................................................................. 8
Credits ...................................................................................................................................12
Pass/Fail/Drop/Audit ..............................................................................................................12
Grades and Grade Conversions ............................................................................................12
LIVING ABROAD .....................................................................................................................13
Ireland ...................................................................................................................................13
Dublin ....................................................................................................................................13
Housing .................................................................................................................................13
Student Life ...........................................................................................................................14
Transportation .......................................................................................................................15
Shopping ...............................................................................................................................15
Safety ....................................................................................................................................16
Health ....................................................................................................................................16
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Communication .....................................................................................................................16
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS ......................................................................................................17
Handling Money Abroad ........................................................................................................17
Packing .................................................................................................................................17
Travel and Arrival ..................................................................................................................18
USIT ......................................................................................................................................18
Trinity College Summer Program...........................................................................................18
Courses .................................................................................................................................19
Student Life ...........................................................................................................................19
Safety ....................................................................................................................................19
Communications....................................................................................................................19
Travel ....................................................................................................................................20
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Contact Information
ON-SITE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Your primary contacts will be:
Professor Stashu Kybartas
Resident Director
(734) 546-9966
skybar@umich.edu
USIT
19/21 Aston Quay, O’Connell Bridge
Dublin 2
Ireland
+353 1 602 1741
+353 1 677 8908 fax
www.usit.ie
Seona MacReámoinn
Ireland Local Coordinator
USIT Director
+353 1 602 1740
Seona.MacReamoinn@usit.ie
Professor Stashu Kybartas from the University of Michigan will serve as Resident Director.
USIT coordinates the local arrangements for the program and staffs a summer school office on
the Trinity College campus located in the Graduates Memorial Building. This office is open
10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and is closed between 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
This office will act as the contact point both for students and faculty during the program. Trinity
College’s Summer School Director is also available in this office. In addition, staff are available
at USIT’s administrative offices on Fridays.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN INFORMATION
Office of International Programs (OIP)
930 North University
1712 Chemistry
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1055
(734) 764 4311
(734) 764 3229 fax
oip@umich.edu
www.lsa.umich.edu/oip/
For General Program Advising:
Linda Popovic
OIP Study Abroad Advisor
734-647-9894
(734) 764 3229 fax
lpopovic@umich.edu
For Administrative Matters:
Nicole LeBlanc
OIP Assistant Director
(734) 764-4311
(734) 764 3229 fax
leblancn@umich.edu
January 2009
For Financial Matters:
Nancy Jablonski
OIP Financial Advisor
(734) 764 4311
nancyjab@umich.edu
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UW-MADISON INFORMATION
International Academic Programs (IAP)
250 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 265 6329
(608) 262 6998 fax
www.studyabroad.wisc.edu
For Program Advising & Grades:
Erin Polnaszek
IAP Study Abroad Advisor
(608) 262 1446
eepolnaszek@bascom.wisc.edu
For Financial Matters:
Judy Humphrey
IAP Financial Specialist
(608) 262 6785
jhumphrey@bascom.wisc.edu
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
In case of an emergency, call the main IAP number (608) 265 6329 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. Monday to Friday; after-hours or on weekends call the IAP staff on call at (608) 516 9440.
U.S. EMBASSY REGISTRATION
All program participants who are U.S. citizens must register at the U.S. Embassy before
departure as this will help in case of a lost passport or other mishap. You can register on-line at
https://travelregistration.state.gov. If you are not a U.S. citizen, register at your home country’s
embassy or consulate.
U.S. Embassy in Dublin
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
+353 1 668 8777
+353 1 668 8056 fax
http://dublin.usembassy.gov
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Program Dates
Summer 2009
Arrive in Dublin
Orientation
Northern Ireland excursion
Exams
Depart Dublin
June 18, 2009
June 19, 2009
July 12, 2009 – July 16
August 5, 2009
August 6, 2009
Preparation Before Leaving
IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS
Passport: A passport is needed to travel to Ireland. Apply immediately for a passport if you do
not already have one. Passport information and application forms can be found on the U.S.
State Department website http://travel.state.gov/passport/. If you already have your passport,
make sure it will be valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of your stay abroad.
Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with
the Irish consulate for visa requirements.
HANDLING MONEY ABROAD
The official currency of Ireland is the Euro (EUR), with 1 Euro equaling 100 cents. As of
1/28/09, the exchange rate was $1 USD to 0.76 Euro. Students should bring some money in
cash to cover expenses such as train, bus, and taxi fares, overnight accommodation and meals.
During the excursion to Belfast in Northern Ireland, the currency converts to the British pound
(GBP). Students may arrange to exchange Euros for pounds in Dublin prior to departure for
Belfast. As of 1/28/09, the exchange rate was $1 USD to 0.70 GBP.
Banks: Most banks have main branches on College Green, which is just outside of Trinity
College. There is an AIB and a Bank of Ireland ATM on the Trinity College campus.
ATM/Debit cards: You can access your U.S. checking account using an ATM card; generally
you will find that cards of the CIRRUS and PLUS system are the most widely accepted. When
you use your ATM card, you immediately receive your funds in local currency; the exchange
rate you get is in general better than what you would get when exchanging travelers’ checks.
Check with your bank or credit union before departure to ensure that you can use your ATM
card overseas and to verify the fee you will be charged for such transactions.
Credit cards: Visa, American Express, and Master Card are accepted at many locations and
cardholders are able to draw cash on their card accounts per their card company's policies.
PACKING
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Most past study abroad participants will tell you that they brought too much with them. Think
carefully about what you really will need (and must carry) as you plan for packing. Plan on
dressing in casual clothing for class as you would in the U.S. However, shorts are not
recommended for class since it is not likely to be hot during the Dublin summer and because
shorts are generally not considered classroom attire in Ireland. Past participants have
recommended packing:
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Small weekend bag for short trips (2-3 days)
A towel for traveling and staying in hostels
Raingear and a travel umbrella
Comfortable walking shoes
Laptop if desired for internet access, music, movies, photos, etc.
There may be a few theater events or receptions/parties where something a bit dressier
will be in order. The Ireland Office suggests only that you bring whatever you think is
appropriate for you in this regard.
You will be able to find most toiletry items easily in Ireland, although they may be under different
brand names. However, contact lens care products are very expensive. If you take special
vitamins or prescription drugs, you must bring those with you in their original containers. Do not
plan on having medication sent to you by mail as they most likely will be held up in customs.
ELECTRONICS
Ireland runs on 220V (volts), 50Hz (cycles) AC and uses the British Standard 1363 three-pin
plug. If you plan on bringing any electronics from the United States, keep in mind that they will
require adapters/converters which you should purchase before departure. It may be more
convenient and less expensive to purchase appliances in Ireland rather than purchasing the
necessary converter/adapters in the United States.
Travel and Arrival
You are responsible for making your own flight arrangements to Dublin. The major airport in
Ireland is Dublin (DUB) www.dublinairport.com. As students do not travel to Dublin together
as a group, students should plan to secure individual transportation to Trinity College upon
arrival at Dublin airport. Located approximately 4 miles from Dublin airport, Trinity College is
accessible via the following transportation options:
Aircoach: A blue line luxury coach picks up passengers outside of the Dublin airport arrivals
area every 15 minutes. The aircoach fare is €7.00 and stops outside Trinity College.
Taxi: Taxis are available at the taxi stand at the Dublin airport arrivals area. Ask the driver to
take you to the Trinity College Accommodations Office so that you can be taken directly on to
the campus. Taxi fare from Dublin airport to Trinity College is approximately €20.00 to 25.00
Express Coach: Located outside the Dublin airport arrivals area, Express Coach Route 748 to
Heuston Rail Station stops outside the USIT offices at O’ Connell Bridge (5 minute walk to
campus) and costs €5.00. An alternative would be Route 747 from the Dublin airport arrivals
area to Busaras, the central bus station (15-20 minute walk to campus) at a cost of €5.00
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City Bus: City Bus 746 goes from Dublin airport to Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, following a city
bus route and stops outside Trinity College. The fare is €1.90 and the city bus does not have
luggage storage.
Once at Trinity College, students should proceed directly to the Accommodations Office and
identify themselves as a participant in the UW-Madison/University of Michigan Trinity Summer
Program. Rooms will be available beginning at 2:00 p.m. on the arrival day and the
Accommodations Office will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Students must arrive and
check-in at Trinity on the arrival day in order to participate on the program. Upon check in,
students will receive a welcome letter and map highlighting the location on campus where the
orientation session will be held.
The Academic Program
TRINITY COLLEGE
Participants will attend classes and live on the campus of Trinity College, a renowned 400 year
old university located in the cultural and physical heart of Dublin. Trinity College is an ideal
location for studying contemporary Ireland, with the National Museum, Parliament (Dáil Éireann)
and National Gallery, as well as cafés, bars, theaters and several music venues all within
walking distance of the college.
USIT
USIT is a Dublin-based travel organization whose Incoming Programs department specializes in
educational and special interest travel, arranging and designing summer schools and study
tours for universities and educational groups visiting Ireland. One of the primary roles of USIT is
to provide ongoing assistance and advice to the UW-Madison/University of Michigan Trinity
College summer program participants.
TRINITY COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM
This undergraduate program strives to provide a quality learning experience for students from a
wide variety of disciplines. The program focus is Ireland, particularly the cultural life of Dublin,
and exposes students to Irish faculty and practitioners in various subject areas spanning the
humanities and social sciences
A faculty member from one of the consortium universities serves as Resident Director (RD) to
the program. During summer 2009, Professor Stashu Kybartas will serve as the RD. Stashu
Kybartas is a Professor in the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures at the University of
Michigan. In addition to teaching a course on the program, the RD serves at the primary contact
for academic and personal advising for program participants.
ORIENTATION
Students will attend an orientation and introductory session on the Trinity College campus the
morning after arrival. The orientation will include overviews of:
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Academics: The Summer School Director will give an overview of the school, introduce
the course modules and faculty, including the Resident Director and all module leaders.

Housing: A staff member from the Accommodation Office will attend to provide specific
information relating to housing, campus facilities, and regulations.
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General: USIT will provide an overview of all cultural activities and field trips and
comprehensive information on Dublin city, with relation to local transport, activities,
events and safety issues. USIT will provide all students with a welcome pack including
maps, living information, guides, updated schedule, etc., which will be available to
students upon arrival at orientation.
COURSE INFORMATION
Courses: The program offers students the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes taught
by the resident director and lecturers in the field of Irish Studies. The program consists of a 3credit Resident Director’s course and six 1-credit modules. Students are required to enroll in
either:
A) Three 1-credit modules plus the director’s 3-credit course; or
B) All six 1-credit modules.
Three modules will collectively make up one 3-credit course for consortium students, so they will
receive a total of 6 credits with either option (note: by taking the six 1-credit modules, a student
commits to a heavier final exam schedule).
For students opting to take the resident director course plus three modules, one of the three
modules will be mandated by the program. In years where the Resident Director teaches a
literature course, the history module will be required and students will be able to choose the
other two modules freely. In years where the Resident Director teaches a history course, the
literature module will be required and students will be able to choose the other two modules
freely. For summer 2009, students who take the Resident Director’s course must take the
history module plus any other two modules of their choosing.
Courses on offer include:
1) Resident Director Course (3 credits)
Taught by Professor Stashu Kybartas, "The Irish Screen: From the Margins to the
Millennium" will explore critical concepts and the culturally specific production issues that
affected the making of film in the Republic of Ireland from the period right after
Independent to the present. Students planning to take the resident director course will be
informed about any textbooks and secondary readings that should be purchased in the
United States prior to departure.
As the resident director course is worth 3 credits, students should expect more regular
writing assignments during the program. Most of these are short and informal, but are
required.
2) Literature Module (1 credit)
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This course studies modern Irish writing from 1890 –2006. Beginning with Yeats and
Joyce it traces the range and diversity of Irish literature to the present. This is an
intensive reading course which focuses on the founding figures of modern literature but
also explores their influence on succeeding generations. Selected fiction, (novels and
the short story) and poetry will be covered in this exploration.
The course attempts both to give an overview of the role and influence of James Joyce
and other major writers as well as offering extended textual readings of their work. The
fiction course begins with short story masters Liam O’Flaherty and Frank O’Connor and
traces a line through William Trevor and Mary Lavin to include contemporary writers as
diverse as John McGahern and John Banville and the younger generation of fiction
writers including: Colm Toibin, Anne Enright, Glenn Patterson and Eilis Ni Dhuibhne.
In poetry, the course charts the poetic reverberations of WB Yeats in the work of
established modern poets from Patrick Kavanagh to the present. This involves
discussion and readings of selected poems by such writers as Seamus Heaney, Derek
Mahon and Eavan Boland. Students will also be introduced to the flourishing range of
contemporary poetry.
3) Drama Module (1 credit)
This course draws its strength from the renowned tradition of Irish Drama which can be
traced from the nineteenth century. Through exploring its origins in this century with
Yeats and the founding of a national theatre, the work of Synge, O’Casey and Beckett
can be seen in historical context.
The course is intended to provide both the literary and cultural framework for studying
the various dramatists and with textual readings the theatrical achievement of the writers
will be revealed. Selected texts of several playwrights will be required reading for the
course and the faculty will include a visiting director and actor to discuss the staging and
interpretation of one of the seminal Irish plays.
This world of Irish plays and playwrights is studied through text and performance and the
tradition brought up to date through study of more contemporary playwrights. These will
include Brian Friel, Tom Murphy, Frank McGuinness and Marina Carr. Attendance at
performance of plays will feature strongly in the course and will include visits to the
famous Dublin stages of the Abbey and Gate theatres.
4) History Module (1 credit)
In this introductory course, students are guided through the most eventful period in Irish
history with an opportunity to study key developments in the post famine period
beginning with late 19th century background.
The first area of concentration covers the Home Rule Crisis and the role of Parnell and
then moves on to the origins of the Easter Rising of 1916. This is then followed by a
study of the War of Independence, the effects of the Civil War and the foundation of the
State, Partition and constitutional developments. The subsequent development of both
states North and South are then examined and discussed.
The lectures on Northern Ireland will give particular reference to the outbreak of violence
in 1969, issues of sectarianism and paramilitaries and the evolution of new political
structures and processes. The role of the Anglo Irish Agreement and relationships
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between the Republic, Northern Ireland and Britain will be examined and brought up to
date in the context of a wider Europe and the role of the White House in supporting the
economic and political future of Northern Ireland.
5) Gaelic Culture Module (1 credit)
This course offers a fascinating insight into Celtic mythology, folk tradition and the
language and literature of the Irish. Students will be introduced to the linguistic and
cultural heritage of Gaelic civilization and brought up to date on the fortunes of the Irish
speaking world of today’s Ireland.
Apart from the epic figures and heroic events celebrated Celtic mythology, the oral
tradition of folklore offers a wealth of material drawn from a variety of sources reflecting
the contribution of all the peoples who settled on the island of Ireland; Norse, Norman,
Scot and English.
The richest base lies in the heritage of the Irish language and the course offers an
overview of the range of poetry, songs and stories which remain in written and oral
versions. Students learn of the literary and socio-cultural value of early Irish literature
and chart the weakening of the Gaelic language and civilization in the 18th and 19th
centuries.
A history and introduction to the Irish language, its Celtic origins and a look at the current
fertile phase as a spoken language and medium for creative expression give a
comprehensive context for viewing the future of this not quite bilingual culture.
6) Visual Culture Module (1 credit)
This course takes an interdisciplinary look at visual culture in Ireland. Archaeology, art,
architecture, film, television and video will be the primary sources and areas of
examination but the course also relates to the relevant literary, social and cultural
contexts.
Students begin by exploring the rich sources of pre and post Celtic archaeology in
Ireland with integrated field trips to Neolithic and early Christian sites. The course then
examines the golden era of early Christian Irish art of which the illuminated Book of
Kells, housed in the Long Library at Trinity College, is the most renowned example.
Medieval art and architecture will be followed by an exploration of the Irish experience
and traditions in other parts of Europe.
Developments in painting and the fine arts are also surveyed with representation in late
19th century and early 20th century work offering a parallel movement to changes in
political and literary life. Ideas of cultural nationalism, romanticism and primitive myth are
explored in the context of Irish identity and image making.
Internationally, modern Ireland does not have a high profile in visual culture but recent
successes in cinema have led to a new wave of artistic expression in areas of popular
culture. Students will have an opportunity to look at the contemporary world of film,
television and video tracing the changes and issues raised by visual culture in a rapidly
changing society and its relationship with the artist as subversive, or as icon-maker.
7) Critical Issues Module (1 credit)
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This course is designed to provide students with a running commentary on many of the
critical issues facing Ireland, north and south and the relationships with Britain, Europe,
the US and the Developing World. A discursive and analytical approach will be taken
and covers aspects of economics, sociology, politics, religion and culture.
The changing structure in Irish society raises many interesting and provocative
questions. Gender and equality issues focuses on the accelerated change in the role of
women; religious affairs examines the balance in Church/State relations and the
challenges facing the modern Irish church and a series of socio-economic seminars
looks at the increasing urbanization of the country and the marginalization of sectors of a
society not benefiting from the payback of ‘The Celtic Tiger’.
The political agenda looks at questions of morality in political life, the alienation of young
voters and the need for political will to lead Ireland into the 21st century. The role of
Ireland in the international arena as agent of peace and neutrality is explored in the light
of the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland. Ireland’s rapid transition from an
emigrant to an immigrant culture brings challenges and a change to the received
concept of Irish identity. These aspects of contemporary Ireland will also be explored.
Classes will be held Monday to Thursday each week from 10.00 to 5:15 p.m., with each course
meeting for approximately two and a half hours per week. Students will have a total of 60
contact hours over the six-week period.
Seminars: As part of the academic program, there will be a series of six special evening guest
seminars featuring leading cultural and political speakers arranged by USIT and the Trinity
College Summer School.
Excursions: The one week visit to Belfast and Northern Ireland is an integral part of the
program and students will take classes at the Queens University of Belfast. Located on one end
of what is known as the “magnificent mile,” the university is located just outside the heart of
Belfast, adjacent to the Ulster Museum of Art and the Botanic Gardens. During the week in
Belfast, the summer school faculty will focus on issues particular to Northern Ireland and will
offer an inside perspective on the past and present history and culture in the North. Be
prepared for an intensive week in Belfast: evening events will be scheduled almost every night,
which last year included a tour of Belfast City Hall and a poetry reading by Northern Irish poets.
Several major day trips are also featured on the program while in Dublin, including an
archeological tour of the Boyne Valley, featuring the sites of Loughcrew and the Hill of Tara, trip
to Co. Wicklow, including the sites of Powerscourt House and Gardens and Glendalough, and a
tour of the Antrim Coast during the Northern Ireland week which includes the Giant’s Causeway,
a geological phenomenon often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Apart from
presenting physical evidence of historical and archaeological developments, the excursions will
also introduce students to the intensely varied landscape of Ireland.
Registration: Students will be required to select their modules by the end of the first week of
classes.
Equivalents and Course Equivalent Request Form (CERF):
University of Michigan: Students will receive one credit for each module and three credits for the
resident director course. When grades are posted by the OIP, both the modules and the
resident director course will appear on the UM transcript as sections of Study Abroad 368, with
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individual course titles, credits, and grades. Detailed information on the UM grade process is
available in the OIP General Study Abroad Handbook.
UW-Madison: Each course you take abroad must be assigned a UW-Madison “equivalent”
course in order for your grades and credits to be recorded on your UW-Madison transcript. In
order to establish UW-Madison course equivalents for your study abroad courses, you will
submit a Course Equivalent Request Form (CERF). Detailed information on the UW course
equivalent process is available in the IAP Study Abroad Handbook.
Information on UW-Madison course equivalents for the Dublin program will be provided to
students prior to departure.
CREDITS
Limits and Load: Participants will receive a total of 6 credits for the program. Students may
either take the Resident Director’s course (3 credits) and three modules (3 credits) or six
modules (6 credits).
PASS/FAIL/DROP/AUDIT
UW-Madison: Please refer to the IAP Study Abroad Handbook for academic policies.
UM: Please refer to the OIP Study Abroad Handbook for academic policies.
GRADES AND GRADE CONVERSIONS
Students will be assessed via a 2-hour written final exam for each module and one exam for the
resident director course. Exam questions will be distributed in advance and students are
allowed to bring primary texts for reference. Students who choose to enroll in six modules
should be aware that they must complete an exam for each module. Original exams will not be
returned to students after the program.
The following grade scale will be used for UW-Madison students studying in Dublin:
Trinity College
A+ / A
A- / B+
B
B- / C+
C / CD+ / D / DF
UW-Madison
A
AB
B
BC
C
D
F
University of Michigan: The Trinity College grades received will be recorded identically at the
University of Michigan. For example, an A- in a Trinity College course equates to an A- at
University of Michigan. Exception: an F at Trinity College equates to an E at the University of
Michigan.
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Living Abroad
IRELAND
Ireland is an island of five million people located in the Northwest of Europe and is a member of
the European Union. Long renowned for its culture, it has a strong tradition of developmental
and educational links with other nations.
Almost 40% of the Irish population is under the age of twenty-five. Ireland has an excellent
educational infrastructure and a high rate of participation in third-level education. Its highlyskilled workforce makes Ireland an attractive location for international corporations and
industrialists. Irish graduates have distinguished themselves as leaders of economic, social and
cultural development in Ireland and throughout the world.
Ireland is one of six Celtic nations with its distinctive Irish (Gaelic) culture and language.
Although Irish is its first official language, English is now the most common language in daily
use. However, Irish is still the first language of Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking) communities which
are located mainly on the west coast of Ireland.
Irish Times www.ireland.com
Irish Tourism www.ireland.travel.ie
DUBLIN
Dublin has been the capital city of Ireland for almost all of its thousand-year history. Originally a
Viking settlement, Dublin is situated between Dublin Bay and the mountains within bus and train
access to the renowned scenic areas of Kerry, Clare Cork, Galway, Waterford and Donegal.
Dublin is noted for its vibrant culture, life, and atmosphere, and has been home to many of the
world’s leading writers and playwrights including Sheridan, Shaw, Swift, Joyce, O'Casey and
Beckett. Contemporary actors, film makers, poets and musicians, from Neil Jordan to U2, have
continued to contribute to popular culture in Dublin.
HOUSING
Dublin: Housing is provided as part of the program fee. Students will live in Goldsmith Hall, a
self-catering residence hall within the Trinity College campus. Each student will be assigned a
single room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities in 4 and 5 bedroom units. Bed linens
are furnished but students will need to bring their own towels.
Residence hall neighbors will likely be other program students and visiting students attending
the several Trinity summer schools, as Trinity College students will not be in residence during
the summer. In order to ensure the safety of residents, the residence hall maintains security
measures for entry to the building and overnight guests are not allowed in the residence hall
during the program. This is a policy of Trinity College and applies to Irish students during the
academic year as well as summer school participants. Students should contact USIT for
recommendations on guest housing near Trinity College.
Trinity College Accommodation Office www.tcd.ie/Accommodation
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Students who wish to stay in Dublin before or after the program must arrange their own housing.
The following are reasonably-priced youth hostels located in the city center:
Kinlay House
2-12 Lord Edward Street
Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1 679 6644
Fax: +353 1 679 7437 fax
info@kinlaydublin.ie
www.kinlayhouse.ie
Abbey Court
29 Bachelor’s Walk
Dublin 1
+353 1 878 0700
+353 1 679 7436 fax
info@abbey-court.com
www.abbey-court.com
Barnacles Temple Bar Hotel
19 Temple Lane
Dublin 2
+353 1 671 6277
+353 1 671 6591 fax
tbh@barnacles.ie
www.barnacles.ie
Avalon House
44 Aungier Street
Dublin 2
+353 1 475 0001
+353 1 475 0303 fax
info@avalon-house.ie
www.avalon-house.ie
Meals: A continental breakfast will be provided to students on weekdays at the dining hall on
campus, while other meals are the responsibility of students. Residence hall kitchens are
available to prepare meals, with most kitchens including a few basic pots and pans, as well as a
limited amount of utensils (plate, mug, bowl, and flatware).
There are supermarkets, delis, and a wide variety of restaurants within a ten-minute walk of the
campus. A detailed list will be provided for you in your arrival packet. The Dublin Office
recommends the following guide for eating out: lunch approximately €10.00-15.00, dinner
approximately €20.00-30.00.
Please note that this should cover your basic food stipend only and that you should include
essentials such as laundry (a small but busy laundromat is available on campus for washing
clothes at approximately €6 to €8 per wash), entertainment (see “Student Activities” below),
toiletries, etc., to your weekly budgets, not forgetting your week-end excursions (bus/train fares,
hostel, etc.). A price guideline for groceries and essential items, together with a selected listing
of shops, supermarkets, etc., will be provided at orientation in Dublin. Students are strongly
encouraged to plan their budget carefully in order to cover living and personal expenses.
During the program you will have access to the Trinity library, restaurants, bar, and sports
facilities which include tennis courts (but no pool). Access to sports facilities is approximately
15 Euro per day or 80 Euros per month. There are several laundries and dry cleaning
companies located nearby.
Belfast: While in Belfast, students will be housed at the university housing known as the
Queens Elms Residences, located approximately a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Queens
University campus in the midst of residential Belfast. Most accommodations will be single
rooms, as is the case in Dublin, and breakfast only will be provided. A minimum of basic
cooking utensils will be provided due to the short duration of the stay.
STUDENT LIFE
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In addition to a trip to Northern Ireland, there will be a variety of cultural activities and field trips
designed to enhance the academic course. Past activities have included:
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City tour including visit to Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Field trip to County Wicklow, including Glendalough
Archaeological field trip accompanied by an archaeologist guide to the Boyne Valley
Visit to the Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament)
Traditional Irish Music seminar and performance
Theatre performances, film screening, poetry readings etc.
Practical and cultural information for individual activities is available at the campus summer
school office, including travel information (lists of hostels, rail schedules etc.) and tickets for
program cultural events and field trips. The following is a sample of approximate costs of
different student activities provided through the USIT office:
€5.00 matinees, €9.50 evenings
€7.00-30.00+
€17.00-60.00+
€12.00-20.00
Free
Cinema
Theater
Concerts
Nightclub Admission
Museums/Galleries
Students may consider obtaining an ISIC card www.isiccard.com for student discounts on travel,
attractions, and other services in Ireland. USIT will provide additional information on ISIC cards
at the program orientation.
TRANSPORTATION
Trinity’s central location allows access to the campus and city center on foot. Students who
wish to travel to other areas of the city or suburbs can choose from local transportation options,
including:
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DART local suburban rail system (DART) www.irishrail.ie
LUAS tram system www.luas.ie
Local bus network www.dublinbus.ie
Bus, LUAS, and DART schedules can be accessed via the internet or in the central Dublin Bus
office located on O’Connell Street. A local bus, rail, or tram ride costs approximately €1.40 €1.90, while a taxi costs approximately €7.00-15.00 (within 3 miles of the city center).
In addition to public transportation, bicycles are advertised in Buy and Sell magazines, which
are printed bi-weekly and cost around €2.00.
SHOPPING
Shops are normally open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Shops are open until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday nights. Dunnes Stores
in St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center and Georges Street, and Tesco in the Jervis Shopping
Centre (north side) are best for groceries and other essentials and are located within a tenminute walk from campus.
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SAFETY
The Trinity College Accommodation Office assists with any campus problems and will contact
USIT staff in an emergency. USIT will provide the Resident Director and Accommodations
Office with USIT staff home- and mobile-numbers for after-hours emergencies. In order to
ensure the safety of themselves and others, students must observe the local rules and
expectations of Trinity College while participating on the program.
For emergency response by Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastal Rescue, Mountain and Cave
Rescue, dial 112 and ask the operator for the emergency service you require. There is no
charge for this service.
HEALTH
USIT experienced staff are available to provide general information, crisis counseling and to
make referrals to professionals (medical, etc.) as needed. A student health center is located on
campus, with doctors available on an appointment-only basis during summer. There are also
private clinics near campus, such as Grafton Medical Center on Grafton Street and Mercer’s
Medical Center on Stephens Street Lower. Nearby hospitals include St. Vincent Hospital and
St. James Hospital.
COMMUNICATION
Telephone: When making calls, keep in mind time zone differences
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock. To make an international call to the United States, dial the
access code for the country from which you are calling plus the United States country code
(always “1”) followed by the appropriate U.S. area code and local number. To call
internationally from the United States, dial “011”, the country code, city access code (if
necessary) and the phone number . Country and city codes can be found online
(www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/dialing.html). Some of above steps can vary if you are using
a calling card.
It will not be possible for you to receive direct phone calls in your rooms at Trinity College;
however, there are phones located in the student residence hall. In case of emergency,
messages may be left for students at the Trinity Accommodation Office (+353 1 896 1177, +353
1 671 1267 fax) and phone/fax messages will be delivered to the University of
Wisconsin/Michigan campus mailbox, which is located in the front hall of the Accommodation
Office. This is not a personal message service—regular calls should not be made to the
Accommodations Office.
There are public telephones in many outdoor locations all over Ireland as well as in telecentres,
public buildings, including rail and bus stations, shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels. Local trunk
and international calls can be dialed direct from these phones. Telephone cards can be
purchased in telecentres and in post offices and retail outlets displaying the CallCard sign.
Some former students recommend having a U.S. calling card (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) to be able to
obtain cheaper rates than are available through direct dialing. Pre-paid calling cards are also
available at “tobacco-and-magazine” shops and may offer the least expensive rates.
Students may also use an ISIC card as an international calling card and voice mail service. With
an ISIC card, students can call internationally on any pay phone and receive voicemail
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messages from abroad in a personal inbox. Calls are debited to the ISIC card account, which
can be refilled via a credit card. Details on how to use an ISIC as a calling card while in Ireland
are available at www.usit.ie (Travelcard)—the service is called ISIConnect.
There are many cheap options for international calling cards on sale in newsagents in Ireland.
An increasingly popular option for students is to buy a “Ready to Go” mobile phone (cell phone).
These are reasonably cheap to buy and you can control your usage as they work on a “phone
card” basis, so you pay as you talk.
Mail: Your mailing address during the program will be:
(Student Name)
c/o University of Wisconsin/Michigan
c/o Accommodations Office
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Ireland
Email: All students will have access to a 24-hour campus computer lab located in Hamilton Hall,
across the street from Goldsmith Hall. The students will gain entry by access cards which will
be assigned to each student apartment and must be returned at the end of their time at the
summer school. In addition to those assigned to the apartments, a few will remain in the
summer school office and will be available to check out by students on an overnight basis.
Students will be issued a login and password to computer workstations after registration.
In addition to the on-campus facilities, there are a limited number of wireless hot-spots on the
Trinity College campus accessible to program participants. As a 400-year-old campus, many of
the buildings of Trinity College cannot be hardwired for internet connection. Therefore, students
should be prepared to locate internet access in alternative venues, such as internet cafés, which
can be found around the city centre. A selected listing of cafés, together with connection and
printing charges will be provided in students’ arrival information packs.
Student Testimonials
The quotes below are comments from past participants; they reflect various students'
experiences and are included to provide different perspectives. IAP does not endorse any
specific view expressed in this section.
HANDLING MONEY ABROAD
Bring more money than you think you will need!
PACKING
I had never traveled abroad before Ireland, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I packed way too
much. I had to carry all of my bags and suitcases around Dublin with me and it was no fun. Pack as lightly
as possible.
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Bring an umbrella and some rain boots/shoes
Bring comfortable walking shoes because you’ll walk a lot. Also, don’t forget an umbrella and
waterproof coat!
Have a backpack for traveling! It is so much easier to carry stuff in a backpack rather than an
over-the-shoulder bag or wheeling suitcase.
Bring a towel for travel. You can buy travel towels that dry super quick and pack small at
camping stores before you go. You will need this when you stay at hostels and you don’t want
to have to bring around a big, bulky towel.
Bring extra memory cards for your camera—and there are also plenty of places where you can
transfer your pictures to a CD right around the corner from Trinity, so you can reuse your
memory cards without worrying about losing your pictures.
Buy blow dryers, etc. in Ireland. I used my U.S. hairdryer in Dublin and it worked perfectly (with
an adapter), but was not necessary if you don’t mind just buying a cheap one there.
Pack lightly! You’ll probably do a lot of traveling, and even just arriving and departing from the
airport, you’ll be glad if you have less to lug around.
Leave some room in your suitcase for cool things you might want to buy in Ireland.
Wish I had brought more pictures of my family and friends to show to my new friends in Dublin.
TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL
The city bus goes to the airport. When you arrive, if you feel comfortable, take that to Trinity.
It’s like 1.5 euros and there is a stand when you leave the airport where you can ask someone
about it. Otherwise, use the city bus any other time you go to the airport (you can ask more
details from the program director). It is ten times cheaper than a cap or the blue bus that goes
there.
USIT
The USIT/Trinity staff in the office is incredibly helpful and can answer any questions or
concerns you might have about travel, Ireland, etc. They are a great resource.
TRINITY COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM
Overall, this is a great program. I felt a little lost at first, but the Directors of the program worked
hard the first week to get us comfortable and oriented. My only criticism of the program is that it
wasn’t long enough so that I could take advantage of more opportunities offered to someone my
age here. I loved it!
The only comment I have on the program is that I thought it was great! I couldn't have spent my
summer in a better way. I loved that Trinity College is so centrally located in Dublin and how
there were always evening programs to go to. I definitely want to go back someday. I'm now
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even more interested in Irish culture and I will be looking into the Celtic Studies certificate at
UW-Madison.
Take advantage of every opportunity this incredible program offers you. This is a once-in-alifetime chance to experience the very best of Ireland. Get out there and enjoy it!
This was an absolutely incredible experience. I learned so much about Ireland and made so
many great friends. I can’t wait to go back!
COURSES
My homework varied week to week depending on my reading load. The classes were slightly
less work than others I’ve had at Madison.
Academics are pretty laid back. Take notes, study for the finals, and stay on top of the
readings. I definitely felt the workload was easier than normal course work at any college or
university in the US.
Go to class and take good notes- you’ll be glad you did when it comes to exam time!
STUDENT LIFE
Get out of the dorms and meet people. Travel as much as possible, but get to know the city you
are staying in as well.
Irish people are probably some of the nicest people you will ever meet, so don’t be scared to
ask them questions and initiate conversation. Also, getting to know some Irish people and
letting them show you life in Ireland is actually a great experience. I did it and made some great
friends and did very “Irish” things!
Explore Dublin as much as you can – there are so many facets and it’s an incredible city! Make
sure you get to the countryside at least once as well – it’s gorgeous.
SAFETY
Dublin was relatively safe. I would suggest not walking alone at night.
Act intelligently! Don’t hang out with foreign men you don’t know even if they act nice. Body
language in other countries is different than the U.S.
COMMUNICATIONS
I would suggest buying a phone there. Vodafone was a major phone company over there and they had
cheap phones for about 60-80 euro. It was worth buying.
Get a cell phone in Ireland. This is very easy to do and is a cheap way to talk to people there.
Look for a cell phone provider that offers free incoming calls (O2, is one example). You can
also get a SIM card for a tri-band phone from home, and just pay-as-you-go.
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There is no wireless Internet at Trinity, but there are coffee shops right around the corner that
have wireless. If you want to bring your computer, you can go online at those places, but it’s
definitely not necessary to have a laptop.
TRAVEL
I traveled a lot on the weekends. Although it was great visiting other countries, you should also stay in
Dublin/Ireland a few weekends and enjoy what it has to offer. I was in Dublin for 7 weeks and I still
hadn't taken any pictures of the city. Time went by so fast.
You will have lots of time to travel on this program. Use the train system which is really
convenient. Lonely Planet is a great guide book to consult on places to travel and see. You
don’t have to have set travel plans before you go. Watch your valuables when out on the town,
train, bus, etc.
Take the train it’s worth the extra money. Take advantage of every weekend. Rick Steve’s
guidebook was good.
The [regional] buses are very easy to use and reasonably priced. I traveled all over the country
by bus and found it to be incredibly convenient and manageable.
See the cliffs of the Aran Islands and the highest sea cliffs in Europe in Donegal. Travel as
much as possible, you won’t regret it.
Ryan Air is cheap, but not always reliable and definitely not always on time. It also doesn’t
always go to the most convenient airports, so look into booking flights with Easy Jet or other
airlines and transportation to the hostel, etc. before making any final decisions.
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