Dingle Scholars
Begin your Sacred Heart University education with Dingle Scholars, a special program for first-semester freshmen at SHU’s idyllic Dingle, Ireland, campus.
At SHU Dingle, a gem of Ireland’s County Kerry region, you will experience the warm culture and vibrant history of Ireland while completing core and major requirements with the support and community of SHU students, staff, and faculty.
Dingle and County Kerry region have been named “the most beautiful place on Earth” by National Geographic, and many refer to the location as the “best of both worlds” offering tourist-friendly amenities along with traditional Irish culture.
Dingle Scholars offers fun group activities that immerse you in the culture, such as horseback riding along the beaches of Dingle, Irish dancing lessons and a weekend in London.
SHU Dingle utilizes a contemporary building on the grounds of the old town monastery, with a second location in a stately, neo-Gothic building beside St. Mary’s Catholic Church, home to the beautiful, historic Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
Dingle Scholars will reside together in SHU Dingle accommodations, located in a quiet, safe neighborhood and fully appointed with student resident needs in mind.
We are planning for an initial cohort of 25 freshmen to encourage strong community and ample support for each student. You will also get to know the SHU sophomores and juniors also studying at the Dingle campus.
Upon your return to the Fairfield, CT campus, you will have a close-knit group of friends from Dingle Scholars and will be welcomed with special orientation programming and guaranteed housing for the spring semester.
Coursework
Your coursework will map seamlessly onto your degree requirements and fulfill courses offered at the Fairfield campus.
Calendar
The academic calendar at SHU Dingle is consistent with that of SHU in Fairfield, CT, except for national holidays that match the Irish calendar.
| Date | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| August 22, 2025 | Depart US |
| August 23, 2025 | Arrive to Ireland |
| December 6, 2025 | Return to US |
Cost
While the experience of studying abroad is priceless, the total cost of a semester at SHU Dingle is less than a semester at SHU in Fairfield. Tuition is the same at both of SHU’s campuses, but fees and meal plans are reduced at SHU Dingle. Additionally, SHU will provide a $2,000 Dingle Scholars Study Abroad Grant to each student for the fall semester.
Any financial aid and scholarships you have been awarded will be applicable to the semester abroad.
Dingle Scholars families can work with a dedicated counselor in Student Financial Assistance to get answers to all questions about costs.
Dingle Scholars: Fall 2025
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of registration for the program |
| Total | $295 | ||
| SHU Full-Time Undergraduate Tuition | $25,042 | Student Accounts | Tuition will be updated once available for fall 2025 |
| Program Fee | $6,975 | Student Accounts | |
| Study Abroad Fee | $450 | Student Accounts | |
| Lab Fee | $200 | Student Accounts | Applicable to biology courses only |
| Estimated Total | $32,667 | Total will be billed in accordance with student accounts billing cycle |
Additional Charges: All Students
| Budget Item (Estimates) | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation - International Airfare | $900 | Group flight available |
| Immigration - Residence Permit (for U.S. Citizens) | $350 | |
| Program Materials - Books & Supplies | $200 | |
| Personal Expenses | $2,000 |
All costs subject to change.
Fees include: Program orientations, arrival airport transfer and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees do not include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, on-site course fees, visa/ resident permit fees, program materials or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Program withdrawal fees, penalties and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.
Eligibility
Dingle Scholars participants must have a passport valid at least six months beyond the study abroad program end date.
Next Steps
Contact Global Education at studyabroad@sacredheart.edu for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
During your first week in Dingle, you will attend a multi-day orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the Support Coordinator and Co-Director of SHU Dingle. The information at these sessions includes:
- A familiarization tour of Dingle
- Information outlining life in Dingle, including cultural difference, safety and getting involved in community life
- An introduction to academic expectations
- Welcome meals — this is a great opportunity to meet with other students in the program
SHU Dingle has dedicated student support staff who help ensure the health, safety and well-being of our students abroad. This includes the facilitation of counselling and other mental health supports.
In case of illness or emergency, Dingle Medical Centre or Dingle Doc will cater to any of your health needs.
Your study abroad fee will cover the mandatory GeoBlue International Health Insurance plan. This comprehensive plan provides medical and evacuation coverage. You will be provided with an insurance card prior to departure, as well as guidance on how to use your health insurance while abroad. We recommend you familiarize yourself with GeoBlue prior to traveling abroad. Also, you should not cancel your U.S. insurance plan.
Of course! However, guests are not permitted to stay overnight in your housing. Dingle offers a range of comfortable accommodations! We recommend that those wishing to visit you do so after your midterm exams/break. This will give you enough time to become acclimated to Ireland and get to know Dingle. Those wishing to visit SHU Dingle can contact us for advice on travel, accommodation etc.
If you are planning on studying at SHU Dingle for a semester, you may opt either to use an international roaming plan per your normal US phone provider, or to purchase an Irish eSIM, which will provide you with an Irish cell phone number and unlimited data. In order to utilize the latter option, you must have a working, unlocked cell phone (either iPhone or Android). SHU Dingle staff will guide you through the purchase and set-up of your new Irish eSIM, which may be done either just prior to or following your arrival in Dingle. Students generally spend $25 per month using an Irish eSIM.
Hear from SHU Dingle Alumni
"My study abroad experience in Dingle, Ireland was truly the highlight of my college experience. I quickly felt right at home and welcomed by all the locals. Being able to continue my education while also immersing myself in a different country was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never take for granted. Every day had something special, whether it was exploring a new city, learning about an Irish landmark in class and then going on field trip later that day to see it, trying new foods and activities, and meeting so many unique people. I am so grateful for Dingle and the amazing memories and friends that my study abroad experience gave me."
-Caitlin Beranger, exercise science major
“Studying abroad in Dingle as a nursing major was the best experience of my college career. I was able to experience the beauty and culture of Ireland’s west coast while learning how to become more independent and grow individually. I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed my time there. Dingle is such a beautiful town and so easy to fall in love with, I consider it to be my second home. I am so thankful for this experience and the friendships I made. Everything about my study abroad experience was amazing. Dingle, Ireland will always hold a piece of my heart.”
-Fiona Kerrigan, nursing major