Ireland
Thurles & Dublin, Ireland
May 10 – May 31, 2010

Program Itinerary

Total Program Fee: $4,380

   Academics and Courses    Application    Cost of the Program    Important Details

Program Location:

This program will be held in the town of Thurles, a medium sized town located on the main train line approximately 90 minutes from either the capital city of Dublin or Cork. Ireland has flourished economically as a progressive member of the European Union. Ireland also boasts an extremely rich historical background with many ties to our own culture here in the U.S. While in Thurles, students will have the opportunity to interact with the people of the town as well as other Irish faculty and students at St. Patrick’s College and the Tipperary Institute where classes are held. The goal of the program is for students to develop personal ties with the people of Ireland and its rich culture.

Program Description:

This program is designed to provide students with a choice of courses while they experience the Irish culture first hand. While visiting Dublin, students will be introduced to many important sites such as Trinity College, Christ Church cathedral, the Guinness Brewery, several sites relating to Irelands literary tradition such as the Dublin Writers Museum, and the famous Temple Bar district. Trips to cultural sites will also convey important information about both contemporary and historical Ireland. Opportunities will also be available for students to explore Ireland on their own. Ireland has been called the friendliest country in the world! Music, dancing, and world famous Pub conversation can fill the hours away from class!

Please note: Prospective students should be aware that study abroad programs require a great deal of walking. You should be prepared to walk at least a mile or two each day. You may also walk over uneven, possibly slippery or rocky terrain even in cities.

Excursions: There will be a three day excursion to Dublin and an overnight excursion to the city and environs of Cork and Galway. Excursions are planned to important sites near Thurles, including the Rock of Cashel. Students will visit sites of local interest in Thurles and participate in cultural and social activities in town. Individual instructors will also arrange local excursions related to their classes.

Classes: Classes will be held on the campus of the Tipperary Institute. TnCIS classes will take place a minimum of three hours per day during the week.

Accommodations: Students will live and eat two meals a day at the St. Patrick’s College. St. Patrick’s is a dormitory facility in an historic setting with amenities within easy walking distance. While on overnight excursions, students will stay in youth hostels.

Academics:

All TnCIS programs are academic in nature and course work that takes advantage of the program location will be the central focus. TnCIS program courses are for credit only. In Ireland, students will enroll in ONE of the following courses:

ENGLISH: British Literature II (Prerequisite: English 1010/1020)
A study of the development of British Literature from three periods: Romantic, Victorian, and the Twentieth Century. The course being taught in Ireland will focus on the rich heritage of Modern Irish literature and give unique insight into Ireland’s culture, history, civilization, and landscape. See course syllabus

MARKETING: Personal Selling (1000 level) (No Prerequisites)
A study of the art of personal selling through a focus on the marketing concept. Emphasis is placed on the use of current psychological principles to efficiently and effectively determine consumer needs and build working relationships. Interviews and interaction with Irish Marketing personnel involved in several industry segments will be included. Managing the service process related to marketing and selling will also be emphasized. See course syllabus

PSYCHOLOGY: General Psychology (No Prerequisites)
General Psychology is a survey course that introduces you to significant psychological findings and theories. Ireland’s adoption of socialized medicine and the aspects of medical support for all will be discussed and would be an interesting experience for students who have not experienced or discussed this policy in an academic setting. Visits to medical and governmental programs and with legislative members in both the large and small urban areas will be arranged. See course syllabus

Application:

Applications will be available online beginning October 15, 2009 and are due on February 11, 2010. APPLY NOW. Late applications will be considered on a space available basis. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours. Eligible students currently enrolled or accepted and in good standing (this includes academic and disciplinary matters) at a TnCIS Member Institution may apply to any TnCIS study abroad program. A complete application consists of:

     1. The completed online application 
     2. The nonrefundable $100 application fee (paid at your home institution)
     3. An official transcript sent to TnCIS by the registrar at your institution
     4. A letter of recommendation

Please click here to download the letter of recommendation form. This letter should be filled out by a professor who can make a statement regarding your preparedness for the program and how you would benefit from the program.

Other important forms you need to review prior to submitting your application include the program contract, agreement, medical surrogacy and medical history forms. These forms will be filled out by the applicant after being accepted into the program and turned into the TnCIS office. Details will be sent out in the acceptance letter. These forms are updated every year as needed. DO NOT complete these forms before being accepted. Any updated forms will be sent to you via email. Click here to view the forms.

Students will be notified of acceptance by email and a letter. Once accepted, please consult the TnCIS website and the email address used on your application on a regular basis for deadlines and other important information. In international travel frequent changes are to be expected. Email is the primary channel of communication for the office and you will be responsible for information sent to you via email. This information is intended to keep you updated on all activities necessary in your preparation to participate in the program.

Cost of Program:

The total cost of the program is made up of the application fee, total program fee**, and tuition. All fees are paid at your home institution.

Application Fee: All students are required to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100 by the February 11, 2010 application deadline.
 
Total Program Fee: The total program fee for Ireland is $4,380. It covers roundtrip international travel from Nashville, program lodging, group excursions, required ground transportation, two meals daily, and limited health insurance. Expenses not covered in the total program fee are: passport, textbooks, one meal per day and personal spending money.

Tuition: All member institutions provide a tuition scholarship. Therefore, tuition is charged to the student account, but then covered by the institution.

Airfare: The group roundtrip international airfare from Nashville is included in the Total Program Fee.

**TnCIS estimates fees based on the current global financial environment and all attempts are made to keep costs down whenever possible. However, due to the constant fluctuation in the value of the American Dollar and currencies in program countries, it is possible that costs may increase. Therefore, TnCIS reserves the right to notify students regarding an increase in fees due to exchange rates by March 18, 2010.

Payment Deadlines: February 11th - $100 Nonrefundable Application Fee
                       March 18th - Full payment due (Program fee and airfare)

Cancellation Policy: Through March 18th – Full refund less $100 application fee
                       Between March 19th and April 15th - $1500 cancellation fee 
                       After April 15th – No Refund

Important Details:

Financial Aid: Applications for financial aid (scholarships, grants and student loans) must be made through your home institution. Please consult your TnCIS campus representative (see member list) for information and instructions. Scholarships are available at many member institutions. To see FAQ’s on study abroad financial aid click here.

Mandatory Orientation: A thorough pre-departure orientation is an essential part of your preparation to study abroad. The mandatory TnCIS orientation for all programs will be held Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM in Central Tennessee. According to Tennessee Board of Regents policy, all students must attend. Exact time and place will be announced at the beginning of March on the TnCIS website and in your acceptance notification. Please reserve the date.

Passports: It is critical that you obtain a passport if you do not already have one, or renew yours if it has expired. If you already have a passport, it must be valid for at least six months after your return date. For an application and details on obtaining a passport or renewing one, please refer to the US Department of State passport website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Non-US Citizen Participants: If you are an international student or non-US citizen (i.e. do not hold or are unable to obtain a US passport), you must provide a copy of your current passport and a visa to enter the country of your study abroad program. If a visa is not required, a statement from the program country embassy which indicates that you have appropriate documentation for entry to that country is required. Necessary documentation is the responsibility of the participant. Please contact TnCIS for assistance.

TnCIS Contact Information:

TnCIS Office TnCIS
PO Box 22990
10915 Hardin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN 37933-0990

Theresa Castillo
Program Coordinator, TnCIS
tcastillo@pstcc.edu
865-539-7279