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Dublin, Ireland

Writers Program

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Whether you approach writing as a future vocation or as a creative outlet, our courses help you discover and explore your voice and hone your craft. Customize your course schedule with area studies courses from our Irish Studies program,  a writing-focused part-time internship, or community-based learning placement at no additional cost. Attend our four-day Writers Retreat where you focus exclusively on your writing in an environment conducive to reflection, renewal, and inquiry. What's more, each semester, students compile an anthology of creative works.

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Experiment with Your Writing Style

From short stories to poetry, our courses cover a variety of styles.

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Create an Original Work

Help create the anthology through the course Homespun Sails.

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Attend a Writer’s Retreat

With the opportunity to write and workshop.

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Explore the Neighborhoods

Walk along the River Liffey and meander through the city.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Macey Schondel headshot

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!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a street in Temple Bar lined with green and orange flags

Why Dublin?

Writers in Ireland have used words and images to inspire, inform, persuade, and entertain for centuries—think W.B. Yeats’ celebrated lines, James Joyce’s “universal city” in Ulysses, the stage of the Abbey Theatre, and the blogs of The Irish Times. Through study of contemporary Irish authors, as well as those of the past, this program is designed to inspire and challenge writers to elevate their skills to the next level.

Learn More About Dublin

Get to Know Your New City

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Take a Day Trip

Explore and hike along the coast just a short train ride from the city.

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Catch a Live Performance

Venture to the theatre, or enjoy live music at your local pub.

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Taste the Local Food

Sink your teeth into the various fresh and delicious foods of Dublin.

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Visit the Book of Kells

See this lavishly illuminated manuscript in the Library of Trinity College.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean apartment kitchen and living space, with sleek counters, dark cabinets, and modern appliances.
  • Residence Hall

Residence Hall

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. 

We offer unique courses that explore creative writing and literature through an in-depth and handson approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experiences and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You enroll in 15-19 credits per semester. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week. 

  • Writers Program courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Courses from our Irish Studies Program (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

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.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (9)

Anthropology (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
SO/AN 320 - Irish Communal Identity Fall, Spring, Summer English 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

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.

Learn More
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Field Trips

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. 

Cork

3 Days ($) Fall

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.

A pony sniffs a student's hands through wire fence at Causey Farm in Ireland.

Causey Farm

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

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.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Dublin, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Dublin is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

tourists visiting an art museum in Rome

Arts & Culture

a business student walking in Milan

Business

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Marketing

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Charities & Nonprofits

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Media & Communication

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.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
13,945
Housing
$
4,800
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
18,990

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
13,945
Housing
$
4,800
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
18,990

2025 Fall

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

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.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Dublin Center

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.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Dublin
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Dublin. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Dublin and Ireland before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Irish culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

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

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 13 - April 26

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 13

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Some local university courses may not be available to sophomore standing. Please contact your IES Abroad Representative for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

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.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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