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Study Abroad | Limerick

Ireland | University of Limerick | Fall 2023
Students walking down a path on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Ireland.
Two students on a mountain in Ireland.
Four students on a mountain in Ireland.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Fall 2023

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the picturesque and friendly city of Limerick, Ireland, with AIFS! Choose from a variety of course options at the University of Limerick, one of Europe’s most prestigious public universities and rated the second best university in the world for international students. Located three miles from the city center on the banks of the River Shannon, the park-like campus sports technologically advanced facilities and a sports arena. Exciting excursions are available to students to Galway and Killarney during the Spring semester, along with Cork and Dublin during the Fall.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 15 semester credits, AACSB accredited business courses

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English

  • Housing

    University townhouse on campus

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    2-day excursion to the Aran Islands, a day trip to the West of Ireland, a 3-day excursion to Cork (fall), a day trip to Dublin (fall), a 3-day excursion to Galway (spring) and a day trip to Killarney (spring)

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • On-Site Program Director

    to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

  • AIFS Flight Package

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways

    Airport transfers to and from campus

Program Details: Study Abroad | Limerick Full Curriculum

Program is closed

Dates

September 4, 2023December 22, 2023

Term

Fall

Institution

University of Limerick

Application Deadline

May 15, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$18,490

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 2.9 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens prior to arrival in Ireland; however, you must register with the Irish Immigration authorities within 30 days of your arrival. AIFS will provide the required documents and instructions for completing this registration. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining a visa as required.

Areas of Interest

  • Accounting
  • Area Studies
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • Finance
  • Fitness and Recreation
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Science
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Music
  • Natural Resources & Conservation
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Service Learning & Community Service
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Statistics

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Education, Social Services, and Psychology
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Global Sustainability
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
  • Social and Criminal Justice
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

The University of Limerick is one of Europe’s most prestigious public universities and educates close to 12,000 students. It has recently been ranked second best university in the world for international students and scored top marks worldwide for social activities, clubs and societies. In addition, The Kemmy Business School has gained AACSB accreditation. AIFS students can choose courses from an extensive list of UL courses, making it one of the best places to come if you have a major that otherwise makes it difficult for you to study abroad. 

The location, along with magnificent facilities, such as the sports arena and the library (one of the most technologically advanced in the world), make this the ideal campus for learning and recreation. 

  • Accounting
  • Area Studies
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • Finance
  • Fitness and Recreation
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Science
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Music
  • Natural Resources & Conservation
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Service Learning & Community Service
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Statistics

AIFS students studying in Limerick can choose from a wide range of courses from across the university’s curriculum provided that prerequisites are met. Along with other international students, you will take classes alongside University of Limerick students and become fully integrated into the student body. 

Although most students take Irish studies courses such as Irish language and literature, history, folklore, traditional music, politics and sociology you can also choose from a huge range of courses in any of the four colleges at the University of Limerick listed below. 

All courses are recommended for 3 credits each and meet for approximately 45 contact hours per semester. Taking up to 5 courses you can earn up to 15 credits in a semester. 

Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 

History, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, law, languages, literature, culture and communication, politics and public administration, psychology and sociology. 

Faculty of Education and Health Sciences 

Education and professional studies, physical education and sports sciences. 

Faculty of Science and Engineering 

Chemical and environmental science, computer science and information systems, civil engineering and materials science, design and manufacturing technology, electronic and computer engineering, life sciences, math and statistics, mechanical, aeronautical and biomedical engineering and physics and energy. 

Kemmy Business School 

Offering AACSB accredited courses. 

Accounting and finance, economics, management and marketing and personnel and employment relations. 

Service Learning Practicum 

A 3-credit service learning course is also available which brings together students, academic staff and community partners to focus on an area of need within the community. 

 *Students with a GPA of 2.75 and above will be considered on a case by case basis 

AIFS students studying in Limerick can choose from a wide range of courses from across the university’s curriculum provided that prerequisites are met. Along with other international students, you will take classes alongside University of Limerick students and become fully integrated into the student body. 

Although most students take Irish studies courses such as Irish language and literature, history, folklore, traditional music, politics and sociology you can also choose from a huge range of courses in any of the four colleges at the University of Limerick listed below. 

All courses are recommended for 3 credits each and meet for approximately 45 contact hours per semester. Taking up to 5 courses you can earn up to 15 credits in a semester. 

Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 

History, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, law, languages, literature, culture and communication, politics and public administration, psychology and sociology. 

Faculty of Education and Health Sciences 

Education and professional studies, physical education and sports sciences. 

Faculty of Science and Engineering 

Chemical and environmental science, computer science and information systems, civil engineering and materials science, design and manufacturing technology, electronic and computer engineering, life sciences, math and statistics, mechanical, aeronautical and biomedical engineering and physics and energy. 

Kemmy Business School 

Offering AACSB accredited courses. 

Accounting and finance, economics, management and marketing and personnel and employment relations. 

Service Learning Practicum 

A 3-credit service learning course is also available which brings together students, academic staff and community partners to focus on an area of need within the community. 

 *Students with a GPA of 2.75 and above will be considered on a case by case basis 

View All Courses For Full Curriculum
Margaret Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE Limerick

Introducing Margaret (or Meg!), a student from St. Michael’s College in Vermont who is studying Health Science & Sociology. She recently took over the AIFS Study Abroad Instagram story to show us a typical day in her life as a college student spending spring semester abroad in Limerick, Ireland!

Four students in Limerick, Ireland.

Living Abroad

Shared Townhouses

Students are housed in Plassey Village, the number one choice with students. One or two AIFS students live with 6 or 7 Irish students or other international students in a townhouse to foster integration into the social life of the full-time student body.

  • Single rooms
  • Shared kitchen, living room and bathroom
  • 10- to 15-minute walk from the main classroom buildings
  • Cable TV
  • Broadband connection available for no extra fee
  • Local supermarket offers a weekly shuttle service to and from the houses
  • The community village hall located at the heart of the village is also available for events, dinners and get togethers with your neighbors.
  • Laundry facilities

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Limerick.

Geography

Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland with a population of 100,000 people.  

History

Founded by the Vikings in 812, Limerick is one of the oldest cities in Ireland. 

Architecture

Limerick is home to both the longest footbridge in Ireland and the westernmost castle in Europe.

AIFS in Limerick Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Elaine Keane headshot.

Elaine Keane

Dia Dhuit!—that’s how we say hello in Irish (I also speak English and a little bit of German). I have been the AIFS Program Director since 2004. I can’t wait to show you the beautiful city of Limerick, I’m sure you’ll feel at home right away.

I know Limerick very well after growing up here and obtaining a BA and graduate diploma in Adult Education from Mary Immaculate College, the sister college of the University of Limerick. You will find that while the culture is different, there isn’t a significant language barrier so your integration into local cultural life will be much easier. You can think of me as a support for you both personally and academically for any issues that may arise. It’s my goal to make your transition into Irish culture as seamless as possible. In my free time you can find me enjoying a good book or cheering on my favorite rugby team.

During your time abroad I will coordinate all aspects of the program including academic planning, housing and social and cultural activities. See you in Limerick!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Irish life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:

  • Traditional Irish music night
  • Literary walking tours and local festivals
  • Welcome dinner
  • Bunratty Castle, folk park and medieval banquet
  • Ticket to a concert at the university Concert Hall
  • Fishing with local fishermen off Loop Head
  • Trip to Limerick’s Milk Market
  • Irish farm experience
  • Tickets to a sporting event such as a Munster rugby game and native sports such as hurling and Gaelic football
  • Irish theater play or concert
  • Trip to the greyhound racing
  • Half-day trip to King John’s Castle and Askeaton Abbey

You may be asked to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

UL SPORTS FACILITIES at UL

AIFS students will have access to a range of state-of-the-art sports facilities at the university Arena, the Outdoor Activity Center and the university Boat House. Facilities include a 50-meter swimming pool, sprint track, indoor courts, cardio-fitness center, powered rowing track and a 400-meter track. There are over 36 sports clubs on campus and a packed schedule of fitness classes. For more information visit www.ulsport.ie/

UL BUDDY PROGRAM AND CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Students may choose to be allocated a UL student who will help them to settle in. Joining one of the 70 dedicated clubs and societies run and managed by students for students is also a great way to make friends and integrate into the student community. 

AIFS students can make a difference to their community and gain valuable practical experience as well as transferrable work-related skills by participating in the President’s Volunteer Award Scheme. It’s also a great way to get to know real Irish/ Limerick people. 

Volunteer opportunities range from working with children and young people, in the arts, culture and media, sports and recreation and with adults and older people. To find out more go to https://ulorientation.wordpress.com/get-involved/the-presidents-volunteer-award/

Depending on the number of hours committed to volunteering, students will be awarded with gold, silver or bronze. The award will be listed on the UL transcript at the end of the semester. 

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside Limerick and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Ireland. Previous excursions have included:

An aerial view of Aran Islands.

Aran Islands

Bicycle or horse and cart tour. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations and daily breakfast. 

  • Ireland
  • 2 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Cliffs on the west coast of Ireland.

West of Ireland

Fall Semester: West Limerick, Kerry, and County Clare 
Spring Semester: Lahinch
Sightseeing tour. Visit the Cliffs of Moher. Watch Irish set dancing. Includes round-trip transportation. 

  • Ireland
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Cork, Ireland.

Cork (Fall Only)

Sightseeing tours and visits to Blarney Castle, Cobh and the Titanic Museum. Free time to explore, listen to traditional music, or visit restaurants and pubs. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations and daily breakfast. 

  • Ireland
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A bridge in Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin (Fall Only)

Guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse. Includes round-trip transportation and entrance fees. 

  • Ireland
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Colorful buildings along the coast in Galway, Ireland.

Galway (Spring Only)

Guided walking tour. Day trip to Connemara. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, daily breakfasts and a welcome meal. 

  • Ireland
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Killarney, Ireland.

Killarney (Spring Only)

Guided tour of the 19th-Century Muckross House. Visit Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall. Includes round-trip transportation and lunch. 

  • Ireland
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    May 15, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    June 10, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    April 20, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    September 3, 2023
  • Program Begins
    September 4, 2023
  • Program Ends
    December 22, 2023
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    December 23, 2023
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,560
  • Boston
    $1,320
  • Buffalo
    $1,240
  • Charlotte
    $1,520
  • Chicago
    $1,420
  • Cincinnati
    $1,460
  • Columbus
    $1,440
  • Dallas
    $1,500
  • Denver
    $1,700
  • Des Moines
    $1,540
  • Detroit
    $1,580
  • Houston
    $1,620
  • Los Angeles
    $1,460
  • Miami
    $1,420
  • Minneapolis
    $1,620
  • New York
    $1,280
  • Newark
    $1,280
  • Orlando
    $1,400
  • Philadelphia
    $1,380
  • Phoenix
    $1,520
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,380
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,460
  • San Francisco
    $1,540
  • Seattle
    $1,660
  • St. Louis
    $1,400
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,340
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Limerick?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com