RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

A group of students stand on the cliffs of Ireland with a Villanova flag.

Study Abroad and Global Learning Opportunities

The Center for Irish Studies offers both semester and summer abroad programs in Ireland.

Irish Theatre Summer Studio: The Irish Theatre Summer Studio, in association with the Abbey Theatre and the Lir Academy, invites undergraduate students from all disciplines to Dublin to study the literature, history and practice of Irish theatre. This unique three-credit course examines the major works and history of the Abbey Theatre and trains students in the production techniques of Irish theatre. From the studio to the stage, students will study the workings and history of the world class theatre while developing their own theatre skills, knowledge and practice. Student work will culminate in an evening of performances conceived by students from Villanova and the University College, Dublin.

Semester in Galway, IrelandSpend a semester studying in Ireland's “Cultural Heart" at the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway. Located in the west of Ireland, with deep and rich connections to Irish culture, NUI Galway offers a diverse curriculum which can accommodate most Villanova majors including Sciences and Engineering.  

Summer In Galway, IrelandThe Villanova Irish Studies Summer Program introduces students to Ireland's history, literature, society and archaeology through a 10-day orientation in Dublin and the Aran Islands, and one month of coursework at the National University of Ireland, Galway Summer School in Irish Studies.

Summer Internship Program in Dublin or London: The Learning Communities Abroad Summer Internship programs give students the chance to experience a unique international experience. In either London or Dublin, students participate in an eight-week study abroad program, consisting of a three-credit Villanova-taught course, a three-credit internship, and exciting cultural immersions and excursions.

The O’Shaughnessy Internship: The Center for Irish Studies seeks to place three student interns for an eight-week, three-credit summer internship program. Two students will be placed in the Houses of the Oireachtas (the Irish Seanad pictured here). A third student will hold another internship in an Irish business or organization.

The politics interns will each serve the office of a Member of the Oireachtas (Teachta Dála or Senator). The program will provisionally run from May 29 to July 22, 2023. Villanova will partner in the administration of this program with EUSA, the academic internship organization, who will arrange the students’ accommodation at University College Dublin and match the third intern with an Irish business or organization. Interns will be selected through a competitive process that places the most suitable candidates, matching their skills and experience with the needs of the office of the Oireachtas member.

The O’Shaughnessy Internship Program receives generous funding from Dan and Carrie O’Shaughnessy, which covers the cost of the internship placement, Dublin housing, 24/7 emergency care, and some cultural programming for the interns. Each student will be responsible for their airfare, food and spending money and the cost of earning three credits from Villanova University (approx. $1,300).

Email irish.studies@villanova.edu for application information.

Jackie Clarke Museum and Library Internship: The Villanova Center for Irish Studies offers two summer internships at The Jackie Clarke Collection, a museum and archive in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland. The internships provide students with exciting opportunities for professional development while living and working abroad. The museum, known for its unique historical archive and excellent community outreach programs, is a multi-faceted and innovative space. The experienced staff are committed to providing students with an immersive and enriching experience. Interns are involved in all museum activities, from welcoming visitors from around the world, to cataloguing collections and even creating exhibits of their own.

The internships run for eight weeks, beginning about the third week of May and ending on Ballina Heritage Day—typically the second week of July. The Center is able to cover the costs of travel and housing for students thanks to the generous support of the Connelly Foundation and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Philadelphia. Students will also receive a stipend for living expenses.

Eligibility

  • Must be a graduate student or undergraduate junior or senior
  • Must be pursuing a degree in a relevant discipline (including but not limited to English, History, Political Science and Theatre)
  • Irish Studies background not required, but applicants should be committed to developing an interest in the field
  • 3.0 minimum GPA

Application

Please submit the following materials by email with the subject line “Jackie Clarke Internship Application” to irish.studies@villanova.edu, by Jan. 31, at 5 p.m.

  • A statement of interest no more than 500 words articulating your interest in the internship, how the internship will help you meet your educational and/or career goals and objectives, and how your particular skill set will contribute to the mission of the Jackie Clarke Collection.
  • A one-page resume, including the names and email addresses of two Villanova University faculty members who can speak to your suitability for this internship.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the following websites as they prepare their applications.

Finalists will be contacted by March 1 and will be expected to commit to the internship no later than March 15. Please contact Dr. Lennon or Dr. Bailey if you have any additional questions.

 

Embedded Courses: Embedded travel courses in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are courses that include a trip abroad during the fall or spring break. “Writing Through Conflict” has been offered several times and provides students the opportunity to travel to Belfast, Ireland to participate in a creative writing conference with renowned Irish writers. Irish Studies and the English Department partner with the Seamus Heaney Center for this immersive, participatory experience.

 

Student Groups

The Center sponsors two Villanova student group.

The Irish Cultural Society is committed to exposing Villanova students to all aspects of Irish culture from art to film to sports to food and even its diversity of identities whether they be racial, ethnic, religious, etc. All students are welcome!

The Irish Dance Team is an entirely student-run organization who enjoy sharing their long-standing love for Irish dance, music and culture with the entire Villanovan community.

 

College and University Resources

In addition to resources and opportunities through the Center, Villanova provides support in all aspects of your collegiate experience and beyond through the centralized services of the Office for Undergraduate StudentsOffice of Education Abroad and Career Center.

Jennifer Joyce, PhD
Acting Director, Center for Irish Studies

Current students should contact Dr. Joyce with any questions about the major, minor or advising.

Take an Irish Language Course!

  

RELATED PROGRAMS

The Irish Studies major has an academic partnership with the Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS), offering academic programs in six area studies, Gender and Women's Studies and Peace and Justice.

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