Semester: SHU Dingle

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. The pre-departure orientation will be conducted in April for the fall term abroad and in November for the spring term abroad.

During your first week in Dingle, you will attend a mandatory 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, wellness & safety information, and ways to get involved in community life
• An introduction to academic expectations
• Welcome meals - this is a great opportunity to meet with other students on the program

Complementing the traditional culture are the modern amenities that make Dingle ideal: banking institutions, high-quality medical facilities, retail shops, accessibility of bus and train services, a regional airport for travel throughout Europe and proximity to larger towns and cities such as Tralee, Cork and Killarney. Your home base is in the heart and soul of the Peninsula, Dingle Town - a thriving Irish fishing port teeming with restaurants, shops and lively pubs. Both instrumental music and song have a long tradition in the area, and Dingle is renowned among music-lovers, in fact, a variety of music can be heard any night of the week.

The curriculum of the semester program focuses on Irish and Celtic history, culture, language, spirituality and music along with core and major requirements. Courses include local field trips and community-based projects that give students the opportunity to learn firsthand the lessons and theories of the classroom. In addition, a variety of excursions and cultural activities are included to provide students with a living experience of Irish culture and history.

You will enroll in four to five courses* and receive approximately 12-16 Sacred Heart University credits, depending upon labs. Classes are held four days per week, usually Monday through Thursday during most weeks, to allow for immersion into the Dingle community and weekend travel opportunities. Courses will count towards your general graduation total. Courses will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail).

*Courses subject to change from what is listed below and will be based on enrollment.

Semester Study Abroad in Ireland

At SHU Dingle, you can experience the culture and history of Ireland while completing core and major requirements and maintaining the support and community of SHU students, staff, and faculty. See courses below.

Tentative Classes for Spring 2025

Biology/Coastal and Marine Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Nursing, School of Communication and Media Arts and General Tracks

• AN 230 Culture, Community and Folklore (Foundational Core: Soc/Beh Science; LAE: Humanistic Inquiry & Social and Global Awareness)
• BI 104 Introduction to the Coastal Ecology of Ireland (Foundational Core: Nat/Phy Science; LAE: Scientific Literacy)
• BI 299/EX 255/HS 308 Nutritional Aspects of Human Health & Performance
• CIT 202 Catholic Intellectual Traditions II
• CM 103/231 Capturing Your Irish Adventures/Video Production (LAE: Social and Global Awareness)
• CM 135/ENG 299 Irish Cinema (Foundational Core: Arts; CM major: history/theory; English major/minor; LAE: Social and Global Awareness)
• CM 396 Media Internship
• ENG 281 Writing Identity in Ireland (English major/minor) 
• MU 106 Introduction to Irish Music and Culture (Foundational Core: Arts; LAE: Humanistic Inquiry)
• NU 215/215L Health Assessment (Required for NU major)
• NU 310 Pathophysiology (Required for NU major; online)
• TRS 271 Celtic Religious Traditions (Foundational Core: Religious Studies; LAE: Humanistic Inquiry and Social and Global Awareness)
• Internships may also be available in the Arts & Sciences, Business, and Pre-professional

Tentative Classes for Fall 2025

Business, Criminal Justice, Exercise Science, Health Science, Psychology, Communications & Media Arts, Social Work and General Tracks

• BI 161/162 Microbiology for Health Professionals
• BI 206/208 Anatomy and Physiology I
• CH 151/153 General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory
• CIT 201 Catholic Intellectual Traditions I
• EX 280 Coaching Methods
• HS 204 Intro to Research
• HS 308 Fundamentals of Nutrition
• MA 131 Statistics for Decision Making (Required for Major: BU, EX, PS, HS)
• MU 106 Introduction to Traditional Irish Music (Foundational Arts)
• NU 217 Health Assessment (for visiting nursing students)
• PH 124 Intro to Ancient Philosophy (Foundational Philosophy)
• PS 295 Health Psychology (LAE SGA, SL; PS major elective)
• TRS 271 Celtic Religious Traditions (Foundational Religious Studies)

The Biology Study Abroad Experience

The Biology Department offers a spring semester study abroad program at Sacred Heart University's Dingle campus specifically designed for its majors. The program is based on required core and major courses and allows participating students to complete their course of study within the usual four-year time frame. During their spring semester abroad, students will complete three of the biology courses listed below along with two foundational courses (see options in the spring list above).

• BI 299 Nutritional Aspects of Human Health and Performance
• BI 303 GIS for Environmental Applications Required for CMS major
• Two-three foundational courses from the list above

The School of Communication & Media Arts Study Abroad Experience - Expand your Story

With a semester in Ireland, SCMA students will expand their understanding of communication and media arts in an international setting while exploring the jaw-dropping beauty and historic richness of Ireland’s majestic coast. SCMA students in Dingle this spring will take the following courses:

• CM 135 Irish Cinema CM major: history/theory
• CM 231 Introduction to International Field Production
• CM 396 Internship
• Two foundational courses from the list above

The internship is a specially designed course partnering with several Dingle-based media companies, including the Dingle International Film Festival. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who is interested in a career in journalism, film, and television, marketing/PR, or sports communication and will allow each student a chance to learn how to frame the world and enrich his or her college experience with a semester abroad.

The Sophomore Nursing Study Abroad Experience

SHU is one of the first institutions nationwide to offer this early study abroad advantage to nursing students. This program encourages nursing students to expand their worldview and acquire marketable skills—all while allowing them to fulfill requirements for graduation within four years. The School of Nursing at Sacred Heart University has designed a program that allows sophomore nursing students to study abroad and complete their course requirements within the usual four-year time frame. As a nursing student, you are a part of a seamless continuation of the nursing curriculum, unique features of the program include the completion of required liberal arts courses with an Irish focus and building a professional identity with a global perspective. Please note that you must have at least a 3.0 GPA and have been pre-approved/accepted by the College of Nursing to apply through Global Engagement. Nursing majors will take:

• NU 215 Health Assessment
• NU 310 Pathophysiology (online)
• Three foundational courses from the list above

The Interdisciplinary Studies Study Abroad Experience

Undergraduate students studying to become teachers are able to plan a Study Abroad trip to the SHU campus in Dingle during the spring semester of their sophomore year. Students should work with their academic advisor during their first and second years to ensure that their degree plan is set to allow for the Study Abroad Experience. While in Ireland, SHU Interdisciplinary majors will plan to take the following classes:

• BI 104
• CIT 202
• Foundational Core in Arts/Communication
• Foundational Core in Theology & Religious Studies
• GS 150 (online through the main campus)

Housing is included as part of your study abroad program fees.

While in Dingle, you will live in Glór na hAbhann (Riverside), new and fully furnished townhouse-style residences, just a ten minute walk from the SHU classroom building and markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, and other amenities. Each residence includes a four bedrooms (three doubles and one single) fully appointed kitchen, washer and dryer, two bathrooms, fireplace, television, and wireless internet service. The houses are located in a quiet and safe location, and there is always a SHU staff member on call in case there are any problems. For larger groups during the short-term sessions, students may also be housed at Dingle Marina Cottages.

For the winter/summer programs, most dinners are included in the program fee. For the semester program, a meal plan is included in the program price. It includes lunches and dinners five days a week. Meal cards are redeemable at restaurants, pubs and markets in Dingle. Additionally, you may prepare meals in your fully furnished kitchen. Groceries are available for purchase at local markets located within ten minutes walking distance from student housing.

This program includes an abundance of site visits and cultural activities so that you will have the opportunity to experience the culture of Ireland to its fullest. Excursions and cultural activities during the semester may include:

• The Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Connemara near Galway
• The National Park and Muckross House in Killarney Town
• Archaeological tours to sites on the Peninsula
• A night at a traditional Irish singing club
• Irish set dancing lessons
• A boat trip to the Blasket Islands off the coast of Dingle
• Weekly field trips planned to complement specific courses
• Recreational and social activities such as: sea kayaking, boat trips, and horseback riding
• Cycling in the Killarney National Park
• Day trip around the beautiful and majestic Ring of Kerry
• Pottery night where you can decorate your own pottery mug

Your program includes long weekend excursions to other cities such as London and Cork or Galway!

SHU Dingle: Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

Additional Charges: Nursing Only

Additional Charges: All Students

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.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, Global Engagement prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.

Speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.

Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.

If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.

Contact Global Engagement directly for further information.

Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Global Education prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this list is meant to help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.

Fall 2025

Spring 2026

While their time abroad ended sooner than expected, Spring 2020 SHU Dingle participants still had the opportunity to learn and grow within Ireland and through their travels!

Testimonials

• "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 and  it was heartbreaking when I had to leave. 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
• "I can not stress enough how much I enjoyed my experience abroad. Ireland was the best four months of my life and I can not wait to go back! I think it is important for everyone one to take the opportunity to study abroad. I really grew up over on that side of the ocean and I had the time of my life. I love SHU Dingle!!"  Keara Kirk, english major
• "I don't know how to put it any other way: my heart belongs to Dingle, Ireland. That quaint fishing town became home in a way I never could have imagined. I was homesick in the beginning but quickly came to love Dingle so much that it was painful to leave. Pictures cannot do it justice. Pictures can't capture the smell of the salt water in the bay, nor the bleating of the newborn lambs as you walk back to the cottages from Main Street. It felt like coming home when we returned to Dingle from our spring break travels to Paris and Barcelona. I felt completely safe and welcomed there, and it was great to get to know the locals on a first name basis.  I am so incredibly grateful to myself for taking that opportunity and staying despite my homesickness. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience to fully live in, and not just visit, another country."  Rebecca Lee, nursing major