Direct Enrollment - National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting
Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
•
Length:
Fall
IES Abroad Dublin
IES Abroad Dublin
Ben G. • University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Ben G. • University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Eliza S. • University of Colorado - Boulder
Eliza S. • University of Colorado - Boulder
Gaiety School of Acting
Gaiety School of Acting
At a Glance
Housing:
Residence Hall
Credits:
19 per Semester
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
Visa Required:
Maybe
About the Program
Designed for theatre students seeking an intensive, practical approach to performance, this fall study abroad program at the National Theatre School of Ireland's Gaiety School of Acting (NTSI (GSA)) lets you participate with other Irish and international students. This program is physically and emotionally demanding, and students participate fully in all aspects of the training process. If you are ready for the rewarding challenge of adapting to an entirely new academic culture that requires significant independent work, this fall study abroad acting program is for you!
Walk in the Footsteps of the Greats
Famous alums and supporters include Liam Neeson and Olivia Wilde.
Build a Team
Work with a team of local and international students to hone your skills.
Participate in the Vibrant Local Theater Scene
You'll have the opportunity to engage with Dublin's Theatre Festival.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Walk along the River Liffey and meander through the city.
2025 Fall
Program Dates:
Early September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Macey Schondel
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
You won’t need the luck of the Irish to have an unforgettable study abroad experience in Dublin in the fall. By directly enrolling in a local university for the fall term, you have the opportunity to become a part of Dublin’s large student community (more than half of the city is under 25 years old). Plus you'll have the opportunity to engage with Dublin's Theatre Festival and integrate your coursework with the Fringe Festival!
You live in a private student residence with up to seven other IES Abroad students each having your own bedroom and bathroom within the apartment. No meals are provided, but you'll share a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living area. Mixed-gender and single-gender apartments are available.
The private student residence is completely furnished and has WiFi along with other amenities, including on-site laundry facilities and 24-hour reception and security. The residence hall is within walking distance or a short bus ride to the IES Abroad Center. Residents are invited to attend a range of social events such as mindfulness workshops, movie nights, volunteer days, and more.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the National School of Ireland - Gaiety School of Acting (NTSI (GSA)).
This is a fully integrated program and students participate with local students. Your fall semester begins with a three-week intensive IES Abroad theatre course, TH352 Soundings from the Fringes, that combines performance workshops with the critical study of plays, and integrates your classroom work with Dublin’s annual Fringe Festival in September. Courses at the NTSI (GSA) then begin when the IES Abroad course ends in early October and conclude in mid-December.
Partner Institution
The National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting
The National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting
The National Theatre School of Ireland (Gaiety School of Acting) is Dublin’s premier acting school. The policy of NTSI (GSA) is to train you for the theatre, film, and television industries by providing you with conservatory-like professional training taught by dedicated GSA Faculty and local instructors who hold impressive credentials. Joseph Dowling, the internationally recognized Theatre Director, founded the school in 1986.
Watch a short clip of IES Abroad Dublin students sharing what they love about attending NTSI (GSA).
The NTSI (GSA) operates out of the renovated 17th-century Smock Alley Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of Temple Bar, the city’s arts and entertainment district. The area’s rejuvenation in the 1980s preserved the narrow cobbled streets and historic storefronts for galleries, small theatres, and centers for applied arts, photography, and film.
This is a fully integrated program, and students participate with local students. The fall semester begins with a three-week intensive IES Abroad theatre course (TH352 Soundings from the Fringes, 3 credits) that combines performance workshops with the critical study of plays, and integrates your classroom work with Dublin’s annual Fringe Festival in September. Courses at the NTSI (GSA) then begin when the IES Abroad course ends in early October. The NTSI (GSA) courses conclude in mid-December.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Voice (4 credits) - Concentrate on boosting awareness of habits that are hampering the free and full expression of your voice.
Acting (4 credits) - Performance techniques are developed both as an individual and as part of an ensemble through the exploration of characterization and text, utilizing the emotions, imagination, and physical skills of the student.
Movement (4 credits) - This course introduces core training in physical movement skills, enabling you to gain flexibility, strength, and coordination.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
3 Days ($)
Fall
Cork
Explore Cork — known for the world-renowned Blarney Stone, the bustling English Market, and for being the final port of call on The Titanic’s solitary voyage.
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Causey Farm
Visit an open farm where you will have the chance to try Irish dancing, bake traditional Irish bread, learn to play an Irish drum called the bodhrán, and jump in a bog.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Dublin - National Theatre School of Ireland - Gaiety School of Acting Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$15,936
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$4,800
Base (no additional cost)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$20,981
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required Residence Permit Fees (paid on-site if required to register with Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Services)
$330
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$120
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$240
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$250
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Dublin Center is a fully renovated red-brick Victorian building that used to serve as a post office. Located just south of Dublin’s city Center, our building is walking distance from Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College Dublin. The Center is your study abroad hub.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Applicants must be a major or minor in Theater Arts/Drama or have EXTENSIVE theater experience
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Curriculum Vitae — List your performance history and special skills. See guidelines here: GSA CV Guidelines
Digital Headshot Photo
Personal Statement — Detail reasons for choosing this program, academic achievements, performance history, special skills, and aspirations upon completion of the program.
Audition Video — This should include a 30 second introduction of yourself and the two pieces you will perform, followed by two contrasting monologues (each monologue no longer than two minutes). Upload your audition video to YouTube.
Skype Information — You are required to have a skype login in order for the GSA to schedule a virtual interview.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
