Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Co-sponsored by UW-Madison, Arcadia University's Dublin Parliamentary internship program allows you to earn academic credit, enhance professional knowledge, and improve practical skills. You will develop a real-world perspective on government, Irish politics, and the parliamentary system while interning with a Member of the Irish Parliament.
During the program, you will intern at least two full days per week. Individual initiative, ability, past experience, and your relationship with the Member of Parliament you are interning with will largely determine the type of work assigned. Responsibilities may include conducting surveys, researching and reporting on issues related to public welfare, and preparing for press briefings.
Along with the internship, you will also spend two days each week taking courses. The themes of the courses are carefully designed to relate closely to your parliamentary internships. These courses, along with an extensive orientation, are designed to provide you with the necessary background to work effectively in your new environment.
Dublin, a city whose median population is under the age of 30, is a mecca for students and young adults. There will never be a lack of things to do in Dublin. You can catch a play at the world-renowned Abbey Theatre or sample the wide variety of cafes and entertainment venues in Temple Bar, Dublin's cultural quarter. Or, simply kick back and relax in Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe.
Expressions of Irish culture are not confined to the National Concert Hall, but are accessible to everyone; traditional music is played by local street buskers and in area pubs for all to enjoy. On a simple stroll through Dublin's streets one is bound to recognize places illuminated in Irish literature and folklore.
Dublin is not only a cultural hub, but a transportation hub as well. Catch a ferry to England or Wales, or fly to another desired destination from Dublin's modern international airport. When seeking respite from city life, many charming villages and small towns are close by outside of Dublin. Within 30 minutes of the city center there are scenic mountains and sandy beaches, as well as beautiful public parks and gardens.
Getting to Your Program
You are given guidelines for
arrival dates and times, but are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to Dublin.
Visa
A student visa is required. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Arcadia University will provide you with visa information.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Upon arrival in Dublin, you will participate in an orientation that will prepare you for the parliamentary experience through intensive instruction that covers Ireland's constitution, political parties, issues and procedures, and upcoming legislation.
Housing
As a participant on an Arcadia University program, you are guaranteed housing. Your program fee includes accommodation, but does not include costs for meals or meal plans.
For more information on housing options, click
here.
Excursions and Activities
Dublin offers an eclectic mix of city, countryside and coastline. Explore, relax and delight in the beautiful surroundings of Dublin City! Arcadia University also has events and excursions to enrich your understanding Irish culture. Past excursions have included Belfast, Connemara, the Rock of Cashel, the Aran islands, and Glendalough and Powerscourt Estates. Excursions vary by semester and group.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
Returned Student Network
Click
here to see testimonials from students abroad or to contact a returned student.
Since 1965, Arcadia University's Center for Education Abroad has been providing opportunities for U.S. students to study abroad in Europe and many other destinations around the world. Arcadia University's unique internship programs allow you to develop and apply real-world skills within an academic context.
In addition to the internship, all students will be enrolled in four courses, taught by lecturers at the Institute for Public Administration (IPA). You will take courses with other North American interns in the program. Courses include:
• Dublin Parliamentary Internship
• Irish Society and Politics
• History of Modern Ireland: 1870 to Present
• Modern Irish Literature: 1890 to Present
The IPA is a highly respected Irish organization that focuses exclusively on civil and public sector development through part-time and distance education, training, and research. Although it offers bachelor's and master's degrees, the IPA is not a traditional college campus. It is located in an attractive, tree-lined suburb of Dublin within easy reach of the Parliament and city center.
Affiliate Institution(s)
Ireland's Institute for Public Administration
Program Web Page(s)
Arcadia Dublin Parliamentary Internship
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
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