RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Study Abroad and Global Learning Opportunities
The Center for Irish Studies offers both semester and summer abroad programs in Ireland. Generous need-based scholarships are available for all eligible students.
Semester in Galway, Ireland: Spend 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, Ireland: The Villanova Irish Studies 5 week Galway Summer Program introduces students to Ireland's history, literature, society and landscape through a 7-day experiential orientation in Dublin, Clonmacnoise and the Aran Islands; followed by one month of coursework at the National University of Ireland in Galway. Students can complete 6 credits of core curriculum requirements in scenic Galway!
Who should apply: Undergraduates with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Deadline to apply: 3/1
Summer Internship Program in Dublin: The Dublin EYE (Early Years’ Experience) Summer Internship program give 1st or 2nd year students the chance to have a unique international experience in vibrant Dublin. Students participate in an 8 week study abroad program, consisting of a 3 credit Villanova-taught course, a 3 credit internship, and cultural immersions excursions. This is a great way to build both professional experience and intercultural competency.
Who should apply: 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students with a a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students are encouraged to apply before 12/15, final deadline: 2/15.
Irish Theatre Summer Studio: The Irish Theatre Summer Studio, in association with the Abbey Theatre and the Lir Academy, invites Graduate students from Theatre, English, Communication, Liberal Studies and other relevant disciplines to Dublin to study the literature, history and practice of Irish theatre. Highly motivated undergraduate seniors may also be considered for the program. This 3-credit course examines the major works 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.
Who should apply?
Graduate students and highly motivated undergraduate seniors with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Deadline to apply: 3/1
The O’Shaughnessy Internship: The Center for Irish Studies seeks to place two upper-class student interns for a semester-long internship program in Dublin. The students will be placed in the Houses of the Oireachtas or the Irish Seanad and enroll in courses at University College Dublin. The politics interns will each serve the office of a Member of the Oireachtas (Teachta Dála or Senator). The students will be housed at University College Dublin. 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 travel expenses, internship placement, Dublin housing, 24/7 emergency care, and cultural programming. The internship experience receives three credits and UCD courses will be transferred as part of the exchange with Villanova University.
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 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.
- The Jackie Clarke Collection
- A Love of All Things Old: The Story of Jackie Clarke
- Jackie Clarke Library and Archive Ballina
- History Evergreen
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 is a full semester course which explores the important role of creative writing in confronting, protesting, and engaging with socio-political conflicts. The goals of this course are to study the work of established American, Irish, and other international authors who focus their creative eye on socio-political conflicts in their many forms, from poverty and racism to war and atrocity, and use these models as guides for the student’s own original creative writing.
As part of this course, students will travel to Belfast, Ireland over Villanova’s Spring Break to participate in an intensive creative writing conference.
Irish Studies and the English Department partner with the Seamus Heaney Center for this immersive, participatory experience.The Seamus Heaney Centre is located at Queens University Belfast, and named after the late Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, recipient of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature. The students will participate in writing workshops, readings, and symposiums with famous Irish writers.
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 Students, Office of Education Abroad and Career Center.
