20 Reasons to Consider Studying Abroad in Dingle, Ireland

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and SHU Dingle’s 20th anniversary, we highlight what makes this program special

In a place where spectacular scenery is matched by outsized hospitality and unmatched opportunities lies SHU Dingle—an immersive Irish studies program that has been the home away from home for Sacred Heart’s students for the past 20 years.

With the proper planning, most majors can study at SHU Dingle, which offers a wide range of courses during short-term and semester programs, as well as the Dingle Scholars program for first-semester freshmen. Students from varied disciplines, from nursing to marketing and public relations, have experienced the charm of Dingle and furthered their studies through immersive and hands-on instruction.

While Sacred Heart University has plenty of opportunities to study abroad in locations around the world, on this day—when Irish culture and heritage is front and center—here are 20 reasons to consider studying at SHU Dingle.

1. Learn something new (outside of the classroom). Every Dingle campus program has built-in excursions, engaging activities and cultural events. Take up Gaelic football, hit the surf, get on a horse or learn cúpla focal’ (a couple of Irish words).
   
   
2. Make a difference. Protect the environment, mentor or engage local children or help others to rebuild their lives during a service-learning trip in Dingle. You’ll be immersed in community service and cultural learning.
   
   
3. Expand your knowledge. Get your feet wet in coastal ecology on the Irish coast. Gain expertise in international business operations. Care for others far from home. Explore the countryside and root yourself in Irish culture. With eight academic programs, students enjoy coursework through a unique international lens.
   
   
4. Step outside of your comfort zone. Perhaps you’ll find a new version of yourself, as one Dingle alum recently shared. Find adventures of your own, whether that’s a tour of Dingle Bay, a coastal walk along the cliffs or horseback riding along the shore.
   
   
5. Gain hands-on experience. Explore internships with companies and businesses that provide real-world and international experience. Gain clinical experience in an Irish hospital. Get involved in community outreach to further hone your skills and expertise.
   
   
6. Immerse yourself in the Irish lifestyle. You’ll live in fully furnished residences, which are close to your classrooms, grocery stores, tourist attractions, restaurants and other landmarks.
   
   
7. Study in the center of it all. Take your classes in a campus located in the center of Dingle town and appreciate the contemporary and centuries-old architecture that surrounds you.
   
   
8. Study where Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed. The beauty of the Dingle Peninsula attracted the film crew’s attention—a story told by Sacred Heart University graduate (and Dingle alum) Eric Patrick Cameron ’23 in his documentary, The Space Western of the Southwest.
   
   
9. Fulfill your desire to travel. Located on the edge of Europe, SHU’s Dingle campus is a great starting point to plan a trip throughout the European continent. Semester participants will also enjoy long-weekend excursions to Galway, Killarney and London!
   
   
10. Live like a local. Learn what it’s like to live in Ireland by meeting the local shopkeepers, residents and neighbors who call this charming and eclectic village home.
    
    
11. Step into ancient history at your doorstep. The Dingle Peninsula is filled with national monuments and historical sites, such as the Beehive Huts along Slea Head drive and the Gallarus Oratory.
    
    
12. Sample local crafts, music and literature at many festivals throughout the year. For instance, in the fall, enjoy the Dingle Literary Festival. In the winter, you can check out emerging talents and big names at the Other Voices Music Festival.
    
    
13. Discover a home away from home. With dedicated student support services, you’ll have the resources you need to enjoy a long- or short-term stay on the Emerald Isle. Dingle is extremely safe, but you can always rely on dedicated SHU Dingle staff for support when you need it.
    
    
14. Access financial assistance. You may be able to get financial help with tuition to support your study abroad experience. The SHU Office of Global Engagement has a list of scholarships and financial resources to get you started. You can speak with  
    Sacred Heart’s Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply toward studying abroad. Generally, semester participants can use their full financial aid and scholarship package.
    
    
15. Participate in short-term or semester-length studies. Study abroad opportunities abound. Spend the fall or spring semester in Dingle or plan a two-week intensive summer or winter program.
    
    
16. Have a great experience and let others know about it. For 20 years, Sacred Heart students have enjoyed learning about a new culture and furthering their college studies. You can follow others’ adventures—just as others will follow you!—in SHU Dingle’s social media. Or share your stories about Dingle as these students have done.
    
    
17. Get a taste for the richness and variety of modern Irish cuisine. Home to the popular Dingle Food Festival, Dingle has been voted Ireland’s favorite foodie town, boasting an array of culinary delights and acclaimed restaurants to suit a wide range of budgets and dietary needs.
    
    
18. Develop lifelong connections/expand your network. You will make friends for life in Dingle–with locals and other students, who may be pursuing various majors or even coming from different U.S. colleges. SHU Dingle programs are open to all U.S. college students. You never know who you might meet!
    
    
19. Get close to wildlife. The beautiful landscape and coastline of Ireland are right at the doorstep of your home away from home, with fields full of adorable farm animals just beyond (Ireland has more cows than people). You’ll get to hold baby lambs, pet sheepdogs and ride horses on the beach.
    
    
20. Enjoy nature as your classroom. Classes at SHU Dingle emphasize the importance of  learning from the landscape and maintaining a sustainable relationship with nature, from the grassy fields to our sandy beaches and sparkling ocean waters.

Are you considering studying at SHU’s campus in Dingle, Ireland?

In a place where traditional culture meets modern learning, students in varied disciplines can fulfill academic program requirements by immersing themselves in Irish culture. There are opportunities to enroll in short-term and full-semester opportunities. Check out the SHU Study Abroad website for updates on application dates.

You can also get the answers to many of your questions by visiting SHU Dingle’s frequently asked questions webpage.