Ireland Study Abroad Program at Trinity College
Trinity College Dublin
- Required GPA: 3.3 (4.0 scale)
- Application deadlines: April 15 for fall and full year
September 15 for spring
- Program advisor: Beth Ehrsam
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Program Snapshot
Cead Mile Failte! We’re so excited that you’re preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen Trinity College as your destination. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is the oldest University in Ireland. We’re sure you’re going to love studying in Dublin!
What Trinity College Dublin has to offer
- Established in 1592, one of Europe's oldest universities
- Only Irish University to rank in world top 50 universities (THES)
- The alma mater of many of Ireland's most famous historical figures, including Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett
- A vigorous academic atmosphere and highly competitive admission
- Set on 47 acres in the heart of Dublin near museums, libraries, theatres, cinemas, shops and restaurants
- The largest research and teaching library in Ireland, which houses the priceless eighth-century Book of Kells
- An active student union and many student clubs and societies that serve a wide range of political, social, academic, athletic and recreational interests
Housing
- Housing is off campus with other IFSA-Butler students in IFSA-Butler-operated student apartments in the city centre
- Furnished apartments have kitchen facilities where you can prepare your own meals
- Students may stay in their housing during vacation periods between semesters
Academics
- Many small classes and high faculty-to-student ratio
- Focus on traditional subjects
- Students take all their courses within the schools or departments to which they are admitted. In most cases, usually no more than four schools or departments
- Students usually take four to eight courses per semester
- Early start option, Understanding Ireland, available for fall students
- The early start option comprises Irish history, art, architecture and literature in a historical context
We look forward to working with you! You can learn more about Trinity College Dublin by visiting their web site.
Academics
Courses
Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
You can access Trinity College Dublin's online course catalogue here.
- Click on each department/subject to view list of available courses.
- Broad Curriculum courses are open to all study abroad students. Students do not need to be accepted to the Broad Curriculum in advance as they do all other departments.
- When choosing courses, the fall term is called the Michaelmas Term and the spring term is called the Hilary Term.
Students should not enroll if full year courses unless they are studying for the full academic year. If, however, a student must have a specific course and it is only offered as a full-year course, the student may petition to enroll if:
- The course is required to meet graduation requirements as confirmed by the home school advisor
- The student takes the course in the semester the full-year course commences
- The instructing professor is willing to provide assessment at the end of the first semester and record the grade at that time.
Please note that this is on a case by case basis and cannot be confirmed until after arrival at Trinity College Dublin
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.
When determining which courses to take, remember that in Ireland students usually come to university with a two-year background in their area of study. Therefore first-year courses at Trinity are usually equivalent to sophomore-level courses and Senior Sophister courses (fourth year courses) are equivalent to graduate level study.
- First-year (1000 level) courses are appropriate for departments in which you have little or no prior experience.
- Second-year (2000 level) courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
- Third-and-fourth year (junior/senior sophister or 3,000/4,000 level) courses will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. courses. You will need a very strong course background to be considered for these courses and also most likely arrange to meet with the department tutor upon arrival to discuss course options.
Course Restrictions
How many departments can I apply to?
You can apply to up to four departments at Trinity, and you must apply to a minimum of two. If you list a department, you should plan on taking at least one course in that department. The course preference form is not a registration form; while you will be provisionally accepted to departments, you will not officially register for courses until after you arrive at Trinity College Dublin. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind.
Please Note the Following Departmental Comments:
- English: Courses available at freshman level. Fewer courses available at sophister level and subject to background.
- Drama and Film Courses: available in Drama at sophister level only, subject to appropriate background.
- Irish: Courses in Modern Irish are taught through the medium of the language and are not therefore normally suitable for study abroad students. However, there are a few courses specifically designed for non-Irish speakers. Modern Irish Language and Literature is specifically designed for visiting students, while some courses in Early Irish are taught in English.
- Faculty of Science, Math & Engineering: Students may take courses within these departments as long as they are either 5 or 10 ECTS, equaling 2.5 or 5 U.S. semester credit hours. Trinity College Dublin charges higher fees for enrollment in the Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, which can range into several thousand dollars. For more information, please see the program fees page of the IFSA-Butler website.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. At Trinity College Dublin, a full-year course load is 60 ECTS credits for the academic year (equivalent to 30 U.S. semester credit hours) and 30 ECTS for one term only (equivalent to 15 US semester credit hours). Please be aware that individual departments at Trinity reserve the right to designate full course loads that are greater than the standard ECTS. Check with your departments and with your home institution during registration to ensure you are meeting the full course load requirements of each.
When calculating credits, 1 ECTS credit =.5 US semester credit hours.
RegistraitonThe course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Accepted students will receive their provisional schedule shortly after an admissions decision is made. This schedule will be based on the courses listed on the course preference form. What are the registration conditions?You must take a full Trinity College Dublin 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.
ExamsWhat do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.
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 Trinity College Dublin. 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 OptionsAll students on the Trinity College, Dublin program live in IFSA-Butler-operated housing consists of self-contained flats in Dublin. The flats change every year as rent prices fluctuate, but most flats consist of double rooms with shared kitchen and living areas. The availability of single rooms is rare, but you can request one. The kitchens have adequate refrigerator and cupboard space and are fully equipped with pots, pans, and other necessary utensils. Students share bath and shower facilities and wireless internet is provided. All beds are twin-size and linens are provided, but you will need to provide your own towels. There are washing machines and dryers in the residences. Accommodations are generally located within walking distance (15 minutes to 20 minutes) to campus. Shops and supermarkets are also located nearby. Keep in mind that living in central Dublin means a lot of hustle and bustle and you will be required to do a lot of walking.
Meals
There is no meal plan for students attending Trinity, but if you tire of cooking, you can take advantage of the many dining options available on campus and in surrounding Dublin on a pay-as-you-go basis.
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 will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Some university housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Ireland for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
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 by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location Info
Population: 1.5 million
Location:In the East, near the coast of the Irish Sea
City features
- Ireland's largest city and its capital
- An economic center with one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city
- Friendly and down to earth
- A vibrant cultural scene with music of all kinds, theatre, art and literary activities
- Restaurants, pubs and clubs make it a weekend destination for the under-30 crowd from across Europe
- The modern Temple Bar area, with a history dating to 300 BC, is popular for its galleries, pubs, restaurants and shops
Do more!
- Use Dublin as your starting point for traveling the country on trains and buses that run from Dublin to all major cities in Ireland
- Take a ferry to Wales and the Isle of Man
- Take advantage of student fares on flights from Dublin International Airport
Links
Time Out: Dublin
Visit Dublin
City of Dublin
The Irish Times
Dates & Fees
Trinity College, Dublin Dates
Individual program dates coming soon!
Click here to view our full Ireland program calendar.
Personal Cost Estimates
Personal cost estimates coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of Ireland personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator
Forms
To apply to the Trinity College, Dublin program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to Trinity College, Dublin must complete three additional forms as part of the application process:
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to Trinity College Dublin for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to Trinity College, Dublin program, you can check the status of your application using 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:
 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.
 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.
 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
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:
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Early Start Option
Trinity College Dublin offers fall and year students an optional early start course, Understanding Ireland: An Interdisciplinary Module in History, Archaeology, Art, Architecture, and Literature, which takes place approximately three weeks before the regular start of term. The course is split into three compulsory strands: Irish History, archaeology art and architecture, and literature in a historical context. Morning lecture and small group tutorials are supplemented with afternoon field trips focusing on detailed assessment of key events, personalities, debates, influences and texts. Past field trips have included the Abbey Theatre and Croke Park with day trips to the Boyne Valley and Kilkenny.
Students will receive 5 ECTS (2.5 US semester credit hours) upon successful completion of the course.
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Trinity College Dublin
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