University College Cork Summer Program

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Summer Programs Essential Info

Required GPA: 2.8 (4.0 scale)
Length of program: June-July
Application deadline: April 1
Program advisor: Beth Ehrsam

Program Snapshot

"Pub Grub"

Cead Mile Failte! We’re so excited that you’re considering an IFSA-Butler program for your summer abroad and have chosen Cork as your destination. Founded in 1845, University College Cork is one of the oldest universities in Ireland and offers the best of traditional scholarship and cutting-edge technology in a beautiful, friendly city. We’re sure you’re going to love studying there!

There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.

What the UCC summer program has to offer

Dedicated scholars who instruct in Irish literature and history
Traditional curriculum mixed with cutting-edge technology
Social program designed for study abroad students, including historical tours of Munster, field trips and traditional Irish music concerts
Banks, restaurants, bars, a sports complex and outdoor playing fields

Housing

Modern student apartments near campus
Housing units consist of four to eight single study-bedrooms with shared kitchen, living area and bathrooms
Launderette on site

Academics

The program revolves around a theme related to Irish history and literature. The 2011 theme is "Island of Saints and Scholars."
Students take two courses worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours each
The program consists of morning lectures, afternoon seminars and a series of field trips

We look forward to working with you!

Academics

Academic Structure

What is the summer program at UCC?
The UCC summer program is designed for visiting international students and seeks to introduce students to aspects of Irish culture, history and society. The 2011 summer program course is titled “Islands of Saints and Scholars.”

What will my academic schedule be like?
Your academic schedule will consist of morning lectures, afternoon seminars (discussion groups) anda series of field trips to places connected with the figures examined. Attendance at lectures, seminars and field trips is recorded and taken into consideration when configuring your grade.

How much work will be required of me?
The summer program at UCC is intense and rigorous. You will spend much of your time reading, researching and writing essays centered on the current program theme. UCC will send you a study pack prior to the start of the summer program. The pack will contain core texts and secondary reading material, and professors will expect you to have read much of that material by the time you arrive for the summer school. There will be four written essays (two in history and two in literature) and two written exams (one in history and one in literature).

Will I have classes with local students?
Although IFSA-Butler is committed to providing integrated programs, summer courses abroad are often geared toward study abroad students only. Please be aware that your contact with local students may be limited, as you will likely attend classes and live with U.S. and other international students. All courses are taught by UCC faculty.

Courses

What courses will I take?
There is just one course that all program students take, focusing on different themes in Irish literature and history. Throughout the first two weeks, students will explore the historical foundations of Irish identity and how Ireland earned the title “island of saints and scholars.” The next two weeks will be spent examining how 20th century writers sought to define a sense of cultural identity by exploring this idealised version of Ireland’s past. For more details on the content of the summer course, click here.

Credits

How many credits will I receive?
IFSA-Butler requires that all participants undertake a full summer course load. Students will receive a maximum of 6 U.S. semester credit hours (3 U.S. semester credits in Irish literature and 3 U.S. semester credits in Irish history) for completion of the UCC summer program. Each essay and written exam is worth 1 U.S. semester credit hour for a total of 6 U.S. semester credit hours. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or audit. Students must take their courses for credit.

May I take less than 6 U.S. semester credit hours?
You may opt to take less than 6 U.S. semester credit hours, but you may take no fewer than 4 U.S. semester credit hours while at UCC. Please keep in mind that there is no fee differential for taking a course load that will equal less than 6 U.S. semester credit hours.

How do I opt to take less than 6 U.S. semester credit hours?
When you arrive at UCC, you will register for your course. You are strongly recommended to register for 6 U.S semester credit hours, but may register for the minimum of 4 U.S. (two in history and two in literature) semester credit hours.

Registration

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

Exams

There will be two written exams, one in history and one in literature.

Transcripts

How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at University College Cork. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.

Housing

Housing Options

What is the housing like at University College Cork?
Summer school students at UCC live in modern, furnished student residences that are a short walk from campus. The residence hall consists of up to four study-bedroom apartments with fully furnished kitchens and a common room where students can watch television, study or get together. There is a sink is in each room and a pillow, comforter, sheets and towels are also provided. A self-service laundry room is available six days a week.

Meals

Are there meal plans at University College Cork?
No. All accommodation is self-catering. You will have access to kitchen facilities and supplies ( pots, pans, plates, cutlery, etc.) to prepare your own meals. If you tire of cooking, you will be able to find meals in restaurants and cafes on and near campus.

Housing FAQs

Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You are responsible for the cost of your meals and any commuting costs you may incur

When will I receive my housing assignment?
While you will be in UCC housing, you will not find out your official address until you arrive overseas for your Ireland orientation.

Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.

Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
No. Summer students are not required to pay a housing deposit.

Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you’ve made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.

Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing May 1 for summer programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Living and Studying Abroad in Cork, Ireland

About Cork
Population: 200,000
Location: Along the southern coast of Ireland

City features

A beautiful, friendly city with hospitable and talkative residents
A busy seaport with modern industries
Treasures its rich cultural heritage, with an art gallery, opera house, three theatres and a city museum in the garden of Fitzgerald Park
Annual international jazz and choral festivals

Do more!

Kiss the legendary Blarney stone just five miles outside the city
Hike in nearby County Kerry
Explore the mountains, hills and river valleys to the north and east and the breathtaking lakes of Killarney to the west
Take a ferry from Cork Harbour to mainland Europe

Links
Blarney Castle
County Cork
County Kerry
Cork City
Cork City Guide

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

Dates for summer 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view our full summer program calendars.

Program Fees

Fees for summer 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of summer program fees.
What's included in our summer program fees
Expense calculator

Personal Cost Estimates

Personal cost estimates for summer 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of summer personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator

Forms

To apply to the University College Cork summer program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to the University College Cork summer program must complete an additional form as part of the application process:

Housing Preference Form

We must receive this form before we can send your application to University College Cork for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit this form with the remainder of your program application.

If you have already started an application to the University College Cork summer program, you can track which forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the student portal.

Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team

IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Ireland:

beth ireland Program Advisor Beth Ehrsam assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Beth can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, extn. 9279. Beth has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past three years. Beth spent her junior year studying abroad at Trinity College Dublin with IFSA-Butler and now enjoys being on the other side of the application process advising students during the application and predeparture process.

alt Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.

Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.

Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office in Dublin. Click here to read more about Resident Director Dr. Tim Conway.

paige Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.

Get Connected

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Connect with IFSA-Butler Students

If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following:
Student Network
Student Blogs
Experiences Abroad Videos
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