Preparing to Study Abroad Ireland by IFSA-Butler

Preparing to Study Abroad

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Why Did You Choose Ireland for Study Abroad?

Elaina Laughlin Shenandoah University IFSA-Butler Program: Queen’s University Belfast I have always had a fascination with my Irish heritage and dreamed of visiting the country at some point in my life.

Caitlin Boylan Goucher College IFSA-Butler Program: University of Limerick This may sound crazy but I went to a Dropkick Murphys M h concert and d was standing in the balcony ny watching the moshpit, and people were wildly slamming into each other and then laughing, patting each other on the back. I decided the Irish h must be very friendly people and that I’d like to go see for myself.

Bennett Walls Oberlin College IFSA-Butler Program: Trinity College Dublin I’ve been interested in Irish rish history and culture for a long time, partly because of my family’s Irish heritage. ge. I was particularly interested in Dublin for its literary rary history.

Katie Downey Berea College IFSA-Butler Program: Queen’s University Belfast I wanted to see the beautiful landscape Ireland and has to offer, and even more, ore, I wanted to see the kind of lives Irish people lead.

CONTENTS 2 Welcome from IFSA-Butler 3 Welcome from Our Ireland Office 4 Overview of Ireland 8 Institute for Study Abroad Services 13 Academics 22 Finances 22 Program Fees and Financial Aid 26 Managing Your Money Abroad 28 Student Expenses Abroad 31 Getting Ready to Leave 31 Official Travel Documents 33 Booking Your Flight to Ireland 35 Insurance and Health Care 38 Packing 41 Technology and Communications 44 Living Abroad 44 Housing 47 Legal Matters 48 Health and Safety 53 Emergencies Abroad 54 Culture Shock 55 IFSA-Butler Policies 57 Information 57 Information Resources 58 Language 59 Irish Food and Drink 60 About Us

Preparing to Study Abroad IRELAND

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Welcome from IFSA-Butler Welcome to our programs in Ireland! We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to study abroad through IFSA-Butler, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit international education organizations in the United States. At IFSA-Butler, we take our slogan “More Culture. Less Shock.” very seriously. One of our top goals as an organization is to make sure that students and their parents are as prepared for the study abroad experience as possible, and this comprehensive planning guide is one way of achieving this goal. It should answer many of your questions about living and studying in Ireland, from academic and cultural differences to the cost of living abroad to packing suggestions, and everything in between. The topics covered in this booklet are some of the most important issues related to study abroad in Ireland, and we’ve incorporated suggestions from past participants as well. Most of our dedicated staff, both in the U.S. and in Ireland, have lived and studied in a variety of countries. They have personally experienced the joys of living in another culture, as well as the occasional frustration! Their enthusiasm for international study and understanding of cultural issues helps us give each IFSAButler student a successful and enriching academic experience abroad. We wish you an exciting and successful experience in Ireland! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Institute for Study Abroad U.S. Office 800-858-0229 A Note about Terms An understanding of the terms Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and United Kingdom will be helpful as you read this guide, but also in your study abroad experience in general. “Ireland” is used to refer to the Republic and Northern Ireland collectively. The term “Republic” in this book refers to the Republic of Ireland, while references to Northern Ireland use the term “Northern Ireland” or “the North.” Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which also includes England, Scotland and Wales. The term “U.K.” means that the information applies both to Northern Ireland and the other countries of the United Kingdom. 2

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Maria Keane Ireland Resident Director

Welcome from Our Ireland Office We are thrilled you have chosen to study in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming you. Although the IFSA-Butler office is in Dublin, we are not focused solely on that city. We have tremendous knowledge of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and are ready to share it with you. To derive the maximum pleasure from your new experiences, you must be willing to throw yourself into exploring your new environment—even if it means being confused by different accents and words, trying new foods, learning to look right before crossing the road and getting lost from time to time—for losing yourself in a new culture is both exciting and enlightening. Indeed, at the end of their stays, most students say that the best part of their experience abroad was learning different approaches to ordinary things and growing in self-knowledge and independence. One thing we can guarantee about your study abroad experience is that if you really immerse yourself, you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn about the culture of Ireland. We’ll give you lots of information during orientation, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get out and learn for yourself. Once you settle into your Irish university, you should remember that we are only a phone call away. The IFSA-Butler Ireland office isn’t here for business calls only; we encourage you to phone us anytime. We like to hear about what you’re learning and experiencing, and we love to hear about your great adventures as you dig in and make Ireland your second home. We hope you treat living abroad as an education in itself and our office as one of your primary research resources. Céad Míle Fáilte— a hundred thousand welcomes! Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University Ireland Office

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O V E RV I E W

Overview of Ireland Geography Ireland is an island on the western edge of Europe, 300 miles long and 150 miles wide. The island is divided politically into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic encompasses 26 of the 32 counties and has a population of more than four million. Its capital city, Dublin, is home to a million people. The other six Irish counties comprise the country of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Its capital city is Belfast. Northern Ireland is home to about 1.7 million people. Both Northern Ireland (as part of the U.K.) and the Republic of Ireland are member states of the European Union. Ireland has a temperate climate, with summer temperatures that range from 60°F to 75°F. Because of the moderating effect of the water surrounding Ireland, the temperature rarely drops below freezing. However, the wind, rain and dampness can make the climate seem colder. The weather changes rapidly, and days often feature rain followed by sun followed by more rain.

People The people of Ireland descend from a mix of Celts, Vikings and Anglo-Normans. The Celts first invaded Ireland circa 700 B.C., eventually colonizing most of the island. The Celts had been driven into Ireland by the Romans and called themselves Galli (the origin of the Irish word Gael). Unlike nearly all of the rest of Europe, Ireland was never subject to Roman rule, which allowed the Celtic influence visible in parts of Scotland and Wales to come into full strength in Ireland. Successive waves of Vikings and Normans arrived and intermarried with the Gaels, lending new cultural dimensions to the population. Later, beginning in the sixteenth century, a series of controversial settlements called Plantations brought thousands of English and Scottish Protestants to the island, where they were given lands in what is currently Northern Ireland. This process further strengthened the religious affiliation and loyalty of the people in Northern Ireland and produced the political and cultural unity with Britain that still exists today.

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We recommend that you read up on the history of Ireland before going abroad. See the “Information Resources” section of this booklet for more information.

Political History British Rule The political history of Ireland centers on the rule of the British, which began with the Norman invasion of Ireland in the late twelfth century. The following centuries saw minimal British involvement until 1541 when the Irish Parliament, created by English loyalists, declared King Henry VIII the King of Ireland. King Henry attempted to impose the same religious reformation in Ireland that he had spearheaded in England, but his efforts were unsuccessful. However, from the midsixteenth century until 1609, the British monarchy placed thousands of Protestant settlers in Ireland, mostly in the North, which set the stage for bitter sectarian conflicts in the centuries to come.

The country’s religious tensions were worsened in 1613, when the Catholic majority in the Irish Parliament was overthrown due to the creation of new boroughs that were dominated by the new Protestant settlers. By the end of the seventeenth century, although they comprised more than 80 percent of the country, Catholics were banned from the Irish Parliament altogether. Separation of Ireland The existing geographical separation of Ireland dates from the Government of Ireland Act 1920. After decades of violent attempts to end British rule in Ireland, 26 of the 32 counties of Ireland declared independence and became the Republic of Ireland. The other six counties formed Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom. People in all parts of Ireland found this an unsatisfactory compromise, and conflict over the unity and political loyalties of Ireland continued throughout the following decades. Good Friday Agreement In referendums held in 1998, the people of Ireland overwhelmingly endorsed the Good Friday Agreement, which created a Northern Ireland Assembly to govern Northern Ireland and also called for certain amendments to the Irish Constitution in the Republic of Ireland, including an end to the claim of ownership over Northern Ireland. This was the first occasion since 1918 in which all the people in Ireland voted together to decide their political future.

The Troubles The period of bitter religious and political tensions in Northern Ireland is known as The Troubles. Beginning with the partition of Ireland into two countries in 1920, The Troubles brought sustained violence between Northern Ireland’s Nationalists, mostly Catholics who wanted a single united Ireland and a complete break from British rule, and Unionists, mostly Protestants who wanted to stay under British rule. The Troubles exploded in the late 1960s in a volatile combination of Catholic riots and civil rights campaigns, and a British response of violence, draconian anti-Catholic edicts and yet more discrimination. Politically active Catholics, including members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), began arming themselves and organizing terrorist activities against Northern Ireland’s Protestant establishment and British rulers. Northern Ireland’s Protestants followed suit and instigated their own campaigns of violence to defend British rule over Northern Ireland. From the 1960s to the mid-1990s, The Troubles spilled over into the Republic of Ireland and England. Violence ranging from riots to gun battles to bombings and assassinations continued throughout England and Ireland at a steady pace over the years,

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peaking in the 1970s. As The Troubles escalated, parts of Northern Ireland essentially became a war zone, fully armed with British troops, counter-terrorism measures, military checkpoints on certain roads and sporadic curfews in Belfast, Derry/ Londonderry and other Northern Ireland cities. The Troubles claimed around 3,500 victims between 1968 and 1998 and greatly subsided with the Good Friday Agreement. Sectarian and political skirmishes continue to break out occasionally in Northern Ireland, but today the country is generally a peaceful, friendly country with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

Modern Politics Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but like Scotland and Wales it also has its own parliament, known as Stormont, or the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Assembly has power over a wide range of affairs, including health and education. However, control over issues such as foreign policy, the military and immigration remains with the U.K. government in London led by the British Prime Minister. As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland’s official ruler is Queen Elizabeth II, but the First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly is the person primarily responsible for the development of Northern Irish government policy. The First Minister is the official representative of the country to the world and is appointed to his or her position by other members of the Assembly. The appointment of the First Minister must be approved by the Queen. The Northern Ireland Assembly is a unicameral body with 108 democratically elected members. The dominant political parties in the Assembly are the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin. The Northern Ireland Assembly temporarily disbanded on four occasions between 2000 and 2007 due to disagreements between Unionist and Nationalist parties, but it has resumed continual operation since 2007.

While in Northern Ireland, you will also see references to Republicans and Loyalists. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably with Nationalists and Unionists respectively, the terms Republican and Loyalist generally denote more hardline cultural and religious beliefs, whereas Unionist and Nationalist generally refer to purely political leanings. Therefore, those with Nationalist or Unionist political opinions will not necessarily refer to themselves as Republicans or Loyalists. Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. The National Parliament (Oireachtas) consists of the president and two houses: the Dáil Eireann (the House of Representatives) and the Seanad Éireann (the Senate). The president of Ireland is democratically elected for a seven-year term, with a maximum of two terms. However, the office of the president is largely ceremonial, as most of the country’s political power lies with the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) and the National Parliament. The Seanad has limited powers and largely functions as a review body for the Dáil. It can delay but not block legislation, and its 60 members are not directly elected. Irish politicians and citizens alike frequently complain that the Seanad is too weak and should be abolished, but a 2013 national referendum to eliminate the Seanad failed. Ireland’s dominant political parties are Fianna Fáil, the Labour Party and Fine Gael.

Religion Needless to say, religion has played an important role in the political and cultural history of Ireland. Today, Catholics remain the overwhelming majority in the Republic of Ireland, though the number of practicing Catholics has fallen in recent decades. A small percentage in the Republic belongs to various Protestant churches and other religions. Catholics are about 40 percent of the population in Northern Ireland and a growing demographic in the North, while Protestants are about 30 percent. There are few non-Christian places of worship in the North, although Belfast has a mosque and a synagogue. The Church of Ireland was started by King Henry VIII in the sixteenth century, and it remains a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion today. It is the second largest religion in the Republic and the third largest in the North.

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Modern Irish Culture Irish Identity The people of Northern Ireland have a complicated sense of identity. Many see themselves as purely Brit-ish, while others view their identity as a blend of both h Ireland and Great Britain. Many Northern Ireland residents also have a great attachment to their Scottish roots. For most Protestants in Northern Ireland, it would not be an insult to be called “British,” but Catholics are far more likely to have a purely Irish identity. Identity in the Republic of Ireland is generally much simpler: Never refer to the people of the Republic as British. Gaelic Language Irish (or Gaelic) language plays an important symbolic role in the life of the Republic of Ireland. Once widely spoken and viewed as a symbol of rebellion against the British, today it remains the native language of only a small minority of the Irish population, mostly in the Gaeltacht along the western and southern coasts of the Republic. Nevertheless, Irish remains the national and first official language of the Republic of Ireland, as well as an official language of the European Union. Most signs in the Republic are printed in both Irish and English, and the Irish language is a source of immense national pride for the Irish. Most universities in Ireland offer Irish language classes. Irish Humor The Irish have a well-deserved reputation for their wit and humor. ‘Having the craic’ (pronounced crack) is a national trait of being quick-witted, eloquent and selfdeprecating. Teasing and good-natured insults are also part of Irish humor, so be prepared for teasing— and to tease in return—among your Irish friends. Storytelling and Songs The Irish also have a rich history of storytelling, which was once used to pass information down through the generations. Poems and songs are also a beloved part of traditional Irish cultural life.

Pub Culture A great deal of social life throughout Ireland centers around pubs. In Ireland, pubs are a place for families and not necessarily rowdy establishments like American bars. You can get a meal, a pint of beer or just go to chat and relax. Many pubs also offer great music: Pubs in rural areas often feature traditional Irish music, while those in larger cities are more likely to have modern music for entertainment. Family The extended family is very important in the lives of the Irish. Even when young people move outside of their county or to larger cities, they will often talk about and visit “home” frequently. Counties The Republic of Ireland is divided into 26 counties, and Northern Ireland is divided into six. In the Republic, each county retains some functions of local government and administration, but a reorganization of Northern Ireland local governments in the 1970s made the six Northern Ireland counties little more than geographic distinctions. Most Irish retain an affinity for the county of their birth or ancestry, even if they or their families have long since moved away. Sports The most popular spectator sport in Ireland is Gaelic football. Derived from traditional Irish games, it is often described as a combination of soccer, rugby and basketball. Other popular sports are soccer, rugby, hurling and Australian rules football.

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SUPPORT

Institute for Study Abroad Services At IFSA-Butler, we pride ourselves on our outstanding student support and comprehensive services. We work hard to ensure that our students (and their parents!) are well prepared before departure, and that our students have an excellent experience once abroad. Below are some of the highlights of our predeparture, on-site and post-study abroad support.

Program Advisors Each IFSA-Butler Ireland program has a U.S.-based advisor who is available to answer your academic, cultural and program questions about Ireland or study abroad in general. Your program advisor processes your application, serves as the contact between you and your host university and helps prepare any necessary paperwork for your housing and courses abroad. Your program advisor is your main IFSA-Butler contact person in the U.S. and is here to help prepare you for your great adventure!

IFSA-Butler Finance Office While your program advisor is your main contact for most IFSA-Butler and study abroad questions, you or your parents may also work with the IFSA-Butler finance office on money matters. The staff in the finance office send program bills, process payments, make payments for all of your Ireland university housing and tuition, and prepare contractual agreements with U.S. universities to ensure a smooth transfer of financial aid to our programs. You can reach our finance office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at 800-858-0229.

Ireland Office IFSA-Butler maintains a fully staffed office in Ireland dedicated to the assistance and support of our students. Support services include: • A thorough orientation for students upon their arrival. • Activities and events during orientation. • Organizing excursions and special events for students. • Verifying the full-time course enrollment of each student. • Personal and academic assistance to students. • Student Services Coordinators (SSC) in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Belfast to provide on-site assistance. • 24/7 availability for help with emergencies. You can call our Ireland office at +353-1639-4608. The IFSA-Butler Ireland office address is: 46 Merrion Square Dublin 2 Ireland

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Predeparture Preparation Materials IFSA-Butler prepares you for your study abroad experience by sending a series of publications, updates and emails. These materials include: •

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Advising emails from your IFSA-Butler program advisor. These emails cover some general Ireland preparations such as visa application instructions and health insurance information, but they mostly center on details specific to your program and host city. Money Matters, a leaflet focused on program fees, financial aid, scholarships and other topics related to finances. This Preparing to Study Abroad booklet.

We send all of the above materials to parents of our students. We also send bills to parents. If you don’t want your parents to receive these materials, you must notify us in writing and also provide an alternate billing address.

Travel Services IFSA-Butler partners with STA Travel to offer travel booking assistance for our students. There are several advantages to booking your flight reservations through STA: • Work with an experienced travel agent • Lock in the price of your international ticket with a deposit and pay the rest later • Reduce or eliminate change fees with the option of a Multiflex Pass for flexible travel dates • Compare airfare prices between airlines so you book a ticket that works for your budget and travel time • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is included Any program student who arrives on their program date within the published arrival window will be provided with ground transportation from the airport to IFSA-Butler orientation.

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Ireland Orientation—Semester and Year Programs The IFSA-Butler orientation will prepare you for the academic and cultural changes you can expect in Ireland. It’s also a great opportunity for you to learn more about our on-site services abroad. You must plan your travel so that you arrive in time for the first day of orientation at the time designated in your predeparture materials. During orientation, our Ireland staff will address the following topics, all geared toward helping you better understand your new environment and easing your adjustment into your new culture: • • • • • • • • • •

Differences between U.S. and Irish academics An overview of Ireland’s culture Safety abroad Course registration and other academic practices Individual university sessions Housing Health care Immigration documents and requirements Study abroad survival skills Distribution of wallet-sized emergency cards, which include emergency numbers for police, fire and ambulance, as well as our Ireland office after-hours emergency number

To help you adjust to local time and overcome jet lag, we organize the orientation schedule around relaxing activities that may include a bus tour, theater performance, some dinners and lunches, and ample free time to explore. Housing and Meals During Orientation During orientation, we house students in a hotel. IFSA-Butler provides some meals during the orientation, but don’t forget to budget funds for the meals that aren’t included, as well as your free time entertainment. See your budget planner or the “Cost of Living” section of this book.

Ireland Orientation—Summer Programs Our summer program orientation is abbreviated due to the shorter academic schedules of summer programs, but it includes all of the key cultural, academic and safety issues listed above. A lunch, dinner, evening excursion and other activities are also included.

Important: For All Students All of our orientation meetings and activities are mandatory. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to withdraw you from the program, with no refund, if you miss all or part of the orientation.

Postorientation Activities—Semester and Year Programs IFSA-Butler offers numerous excursions and events as part of our semester and year programs in Ireland. All of these activities are included in our program fee unless otherwise noted. The following excursions allow our students to experience Ireland’s beautiful landscape, history and culture: • For students studying in the Republic, a weekend of sightseeing in beautiful Northern Ireland. The weekend in Belfast is designed to allow students to relax, see some of the world-famous sites in the North, and visit with our Ireland staff and other IFSA-Butler participants.

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• The Northern Ireland Weekend includes a trip to historic Derry, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-aRede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. In Belfast students take a “Black Taxi” tour of west Belfast, where taxi drivers share their personal stories of The Troubles. IFSA-Butler provides accommodation, breakfast, a welcome meal on arrival night and transportation. • For students studying in Northern Ireland, a weekend in Dublin allows students to relax in the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. A theatre or sporting event,when available, and day activities are also included in the weekend. • Adventure Weekend: Students go to the beautiful Killary Harbour in the west of Ireland for a weekend of fun and adventure sport, including kayaking, archery, laser tag, clay pigeon shooting, tubing, high ropes course and zip-wire. Transportation, accommodation and meals are included. These weekends are popular, so it is important that you respond to the invitation before the deadline. If you are interested in the weekend, please pack hiking boots, rugged rain gear and some warm clothing for these activities. No refund is available if you choose not to participate. Special Events In addition to the weekend excursions, our Ireland office arranges special events throughout the year. These may include group lunches or dinners and a farewell event at the end of the semester.

Adventure Weekend was seriously the best weekend ever. I don’t even know how to properly explain that... Besides it being gorgeous there and the actual adventure stuff being really fun, that weekend was crazy, and we definitely got to know the staff and the other programs really well. It was like a weekend of adult summer camp, which might not sound like fun but it was. –Rachel Dudash, George Washington University NUI Galway

Post-orientation Activities—Summer Programs IFSA-Butler offers a smaller number of excursions and activities for summer students. Events vary by location but usually include a lunch and at least one e visit to a historic or cultural site in the region of the summer program. In addition, most host universities offer cultural events and entertainment as part of their summer programs. We encourage our summer students to take advantage of these activities as much as possible.

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Emergency Assistance Abroad One of IFSA-Butler’s most important services is our emergency assistance to students. Our staff in Ireland are trained in crisis management and have extensive experience handling student incidents and emergencies. Our staff in Ireland share emergency phone coverage and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with any emergency. See “Emergencies Abroad” on page 53 for more information.

Transcripts You will receive a Butler University transcript recording the grades and credits from your host university. For information about our registration and transcript policies, see these topics under “Academics” in the next section of this booklet.

Program Duration Please note that IFSA-Butler program services abroad are in effect between the program start date and program end date on the program calendar.

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ACADEMICS

Academic Differences Specialization in Ireland The primary difference between the U.S. and Irish educational systems is the level of specialization. In the United States, you are probably accustomed to a liberal arts education in which you select courses in a wide variety of subjects from introductory to advanced levels. Students in Ireland, howwever, begin to specialize during secondary school (equivalent to a U.S. high school). Until the age of 16, students in Ireland study dy up to 10 subjects. Those planning to applyy to university then narrow their focus to fewerr subjects for the final two years of secondary school chool and must qualify for university study by taking king exams in those subjects. Therefore, Irish students in both the Republic and the North enter university already possessing an extensive background in the subject(s) they plan to study. Students who do not plan to go on to university generally leave school to take jobs or enroll in technical schools. Degrees in Ireland Degrees in Ireland are based on a concentrated study of a discipline within a faculty or college. Therefore, students apply directly to a specific program of study within a faculty rather than general undergraduate admission to a university. Throughout their degree, Irish students take classes within their chosen department along with a restricted number of electives.

As a U.S. student entering the Irish system, you will need d to adjust to an academic environment that offers fewer class instruction hours per week and emphasizes individual study outside the classroom.

The Irish University System The university system in Ireland is state supported. Student enrollment is limited because the government heavily subsidizes tuition for all university students, which makes entry standards extremely high. Student services are paid for by students but are also subsidized by the government. These services include meals, housing, student unions, libraries, etc. Universities in Ireland charge overseas students much higher fees. The overseas fee is similar to tuition out-of-state students pay at a U.S. college. Academic Progress and Student Independence Instructors in Ireland do not monitor each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual academic progress. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to keep up with the class work and to select subjects for the essays. In most classes, the academic term or year structure is not based on continual assessment, but rather on one or two essay assignments and/or one final exam at the end of the term or semester. Course Structure Generally, the structure of a course combines both seminars or tutorials and lectures. You are expected to participate in discussions during the seminars and tutorials, and are usually assessed by your level of class participation in addition to your regular assignments. U.S. students usually do well in these sessions because they are more accustomed to speaking out in class. M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

In your free time you are expected to go to the library to do preparatory work for class such as research and reading related to the course topic. This research is done so you can bring back your own thoughts to contribute to class discussion. You will find that the Irish method of education is very open-ended. Professors will expect that your final papers and exams show all of the research and reading you have been doing outside of class. Reading Lists Most professors in Ireland will distribute “recommended reading” lists for courses. Some of these lists may contain hundreds of books and articles! You don’t have to read all of them, but you are expected to choose a broad selection from the list. Don’t wait until the end of the semester to start your reading!

–Lauren Allan, Butler University University College Dublin

If you feel that you lack assignments or have nothing to do, you may have misunderstood the system. Contact your lecturers or the IFSA-Butler Ireland office for advice on organizing the workload early in the semester or term.

Many exams in Ireland, even in the sciences, often require essays, so good writing skills are essential. If you need some refinement of these skills, you can seek help from individual tutors or from your academic advisors. On-campus study skills centers can also help.

Grades and Credits Unlike the U.S., most university courses in Ireland do not have regular assignments and tests. Instead, all or most of your grade is likely to come from a comprehensive essay and just one or two exams written in essay format (see Exams below). This system will make your ability to study independently very important.

Study Habits in Ireland Part of the cultural difference between the United States and Ireland is apparent in the way in which students study. During university breaks or holidays, Irish students take all their work home and complete drafts of essays that might not be due until the end of the semester.

Grades are normally written in letters (A–F), but may take other forms. The Irish system does not have grade point averages.

College students in Ireland will often brag about how little they have to study despite their good grades, but in reality, they are probably spending a great deal of time on preparation work and reading.

The average grade in Ireland is a C, which is considered quite respectable. If you expect to achieve A and B work, you’ll have to work hard. It is your responsibility to check with your home college to find out the policy on transfer credit. Some U.S. colleges and universities will not transfer credit for courses with a grade of less than a C. Exams Most courses in Ireland have just one or two exams, and students are expected to use these exams to demonstrate their overall knowledge in the course subject, particularly the research and independent reading that they conducted on their own throughout the semester.

Keep an open mind and don’t worry about things too much. Get out of the city, get lost (not too lost) and remember that this is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and you should have the best time possible.

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Library hours are less convenient than in the U.S., and university students do the majority of their studying during the day in the library. Students from the United States need to structure their time according to the Irish system. Irish students typically socialize at night, distracting U.S. students who are accustomed to studying then. Failure to adjust to Irish study methods can lead to poor academic results. Classes in Ireland—Summer Programs Most summer programs in Ireland are geared toward U.S. and other international students and have a structure that is more similar to U.S. colleges and universities. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the general academic structure of universities in Ireland, as the professors and instructors will have Irish-style expectations of students.

Academic Ethics and Culture

Course Registration

Just as systems of higher education vary greatly by country, so do concepts of academic ethics. As a visiting student, it is important for you to be proactive by searching your host university’s website and/or student handbook for its policies regarding academic ethics and classroom behavior. IFSA-Butler staff and your host institution’s international office are also great resources for guidance on this topic. Remember to ask what challenges previous U.S. students have faced at your host university.

You will most likely register for your course choices after arrival at your host university. Please have additional approved course choices in case your first selections are not available.

If you are accused of academic dishonesty, inquire immediately about the appeals process available at both your host and home institutions, paying special attention to deadlines.

Status You are classified as a “full fee-paying, nondegree or visiting student” at your host university and are entitled to enroll in any undergraduate course for which you are qualified and in which space is available. You are subject to the standard regulations of the university and have the same rights, privileges and obligations as regular degree students. You must abide by all the rules and regulations of your host institution.

During the enrollment period it is your responsibility to ensure that: • You are enrolled in a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. See page 17 for details. • You meet any prerequisites required for any courses in which you enroll. • You are aware of any issues that may affect grade or credit transfer to your home university. Notifying IFSA-Butler of Your Enrollment • Once you finalize registration at your host university, complete the online IFSA-Butler class registration form (more information is given at orientation) indicating your individual course schedule. • A staff member in Ireland will verify your full-time enrollment. We use this form to verify your host university grade report before completing your Butler University transcript. Submitting your course registration form is mandatory. • If you make any changes after submitting your form, you must immediately inform the IFSAButler Ireland office in writing. Any change in your registration could affect your credit.

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Keep up with the coursework because th there iis never any assigned homework. You won’t be prepared for the final if you don’t keep up.

Tips for academic success in Ireland

– Brandi Benson, Arizona State University University of Limerick

• Many of your classes will be held in large lecture halls seating more than 100 students. These lectures will be complemented by seminars/ tutorials, small discussion groups held at another time during the week. You are required to attend both and to actively participate.

• U.S. law requires students who are receiving federal or state financial aid funds to earn a certain amount of credit: at least 12 U.S. semester credit hours for a term or semester or 24 U.S. semester credit hours for the year. Failure to comply with these guidelines can affect your future financial aid awards and eligibility. Falling below the course load minimum may also revoke your student status in Ireland and lead to deportation. Registering for Required Courses If you are required to take certain courses abroad in order to graduate on time, follow this procedure: • Put the request in writing to our U.S. office before departure. Your program advisor will request the course on your behalf. • Depending on your host university, you may or may not receive confirmation that the course is available. • Before leaving the United States, check the IFSAButler website to verify current course offerings at your host university. • When you get to registration at your host university, request the course again and explain why you need it. • Remember that there are course cancellations in Ireland at the last minute, just as in the United States, so be prepared to make a substitution if necessary.

IFSA-Butler Full Course Load As an IFSA-Butler participant, you are required to undertake a full course load at your host university and to follow its regulations for degree-seeking students, including taking exams where applicable. By law, you must maintain the recommended course load to ensure your continual registration as a fulltime student. Taking less than a full course load may violate the terms of your visiting student status in Ireland and jeopardize your U.S. financial aid.

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• You’ll have fewer contact hours with your professors than at your home institution and will be expected to work more independently.

• Most lecturers will distribute optional reading lists from which students are expected to select supplementary reading. You are unlikely to pass without reading extensively from these lists. • Students and lecturers in Ireland put less emphasis on presentation and more on the content of written and oral work. Always back up statements with documented sources. Create a logical argument and stick to it. • Assessment occurs less frequently in Irish universities, so it’s important to stay on top of the workload. • Irish universities are less flexible with regulations and deadlines. You should know the rules, and don’t assume you can break them without penalty. • Grade inflation occurs less frequently in the Ireland than in the United States. Consult the University Profile you will receive during orientation for U.S. grade conversions. • Adapt to the work schedule of local students. Go to the library and study during the day. You can socialize at night. • Introduce yourself to your instructors, let them know you are a U.S. study abroad student and find out their expectations for the class.

The Student Handbook that you receive during your orientation abroad outlines the number of U.S. credit hours you must take at your host institution to equal a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. A full IFSA-Butler course load is the equivalent of: • 12 U.S. semester credit hours per term. • 15 to 16 U.S. semester credit hours per semester. • 18 to 20 U.S. semester credit hours for the spring two terms. • 30 to 32 U.S. semester credit hours for the year. • Summer full-load standards vary according to program length and host university requirements. See our website for individual summer program credits. When you register for courses abroad, you will need to tally the credits, points or units (not number of courses) to achieve the required full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Our Ireland office can help you verify that your enrollment constitutes a full course load. Course Overload IFSA-Butler does not recommend registering for more than the full course load. If you sign up for more than the equivalent of 18 U.S. semester credit hours, please obtain written approval from your home university and forward this approval to IFSA-Butler. Taking more than the equivalent of 18 U.S. semester credit hours in a semester can result in a tuition surcharge by your Ireland university. When this occurs, we send a bill to your designated billing address. Your home institution may also charge a fee to process additional credit hours.

Home Institution Regulations Some U.S. institutions may impose on their study abroad students the same academic regulations applicable on their home campus. In some cases these regulations may conflict with IFSA-Butler policy. For example, if your home institution requires that all students abroad enroll in four classes, you may be taking too many or too few credits according to IFSA-Butler standards. Consult your IFSA-Butler program advisor if this applies to you.

Types of Courses Not Allowed IFSA-Butler does not allow students to take the following types of courses in Ireland: • • • •

Graduate courses Courses for audit Online courses Courses for pass/fail instead of a grade (unless that is the only way the course is assessed)

Only courses taken for a grade and credit will count toward your full-load requirement.

Course Credits Be aware that a course’s time commitment does not always correspond to the course’s credit allocation. Science and engineering students in particular should be prepared to spend considerably more time in class and labs than students who take only liberal arts courses. Our science alumni have reported that their workload was more than double that of arts students for the same amount of credit. Butler University cannot increase the credit of any course taken abroad without approval from the host university.

Academic Contract During orientation, we ask you to sign a contract in which you acknowledge your enrollment responsibilities to your host university and to IFSA-Butler.

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Course Withdraw Dates Withdrawing from courses in Ireland can be complicated and subject to many rules. Please note the following: • Be sure to confirm the final withdraw date with your host university. • If you wish to withdraw from a class, you must do so formally with the university by the published date, and then notify the IFSA-Butler Ireland office in writing that you have withdrawn. • If you drop a course after the published withdraw deadline, that course will register as an F on your transcript. • Obtain written confirmation from the host university that you have withdrawn from the course. Otherwise the course may appear as an F on your Butler University transcript. •

Your host university may charge a late-drop fee. This fee can be quite high. It is your responsibility to learn the deadline and adhere to it.

• Be sure that by dropping a course you do not fall below the IFSA-Butler full course load.

Find out which classes you will be taking exams in at the end of the semester and try to make those a priority. And find out essay topics as soon as possible and try to knock those out quickly so you have more time to travel and have fun at the end of the semester. Being holed up writing essays when you’re sad about leaving is the worst. – Rachel Dudash, George Washington University NUI Galway

Class Attendance Students studying on an IFSA-Butler program are required to attend all regularly scheduled classes. Failure to attend classes can result in loss of credit and jeopardize your visiting student status.

Completion of Coursework You must complete all your academic obligations before the end of the program. If you turn an essay in late, it may get lost and you will lose credit. If you turn in an assignment to anyone other than your professor, be sure to get written confirmation.

Incomplete Grades If you have an incomplete, you must complete the class requirements by May 31 (for fall) or December 31 (for summer, spring and year students) or by the host university deadline, whichever comes first. Incompletes that are not rectified will result in a fail or an X, and we will issue you a new Butler University transcript.

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Enrolling for One Semester of a Full-Year Course IFSA-Butler discourages students from enrolling in one semester of a yearlong course. If you wish to do so anyway, ask permission from the lecturer and the international office of your host university before enrollment. If you enroll for the first half of a course, you must ask the lecturer to assess you at the conclusion of the semester and to pass that mark on to the study abroad or international office of your host university. If you don’t make this request, the lecturer could wait until the end of the year to assess your performance, leading to a six- or seven-month delay in your transcript. If you take only the second semester of a course, note that your final exam may cover content from both semesters.

Special Exam Arrangements You may not reschedule an exam, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If you do, IFSA-Butler will not conduct an academic appeal or follow-up on the class in which you arranged an alternate exam or assessment. You will be able to review an Ireland program calendar before leaving the United States. Please be sure that you do not have scheduling conflicts with the examination periods before enrolling.

Transcripts Conversion of Host University Grades and Credits We translate your grades and credits according to the scales printed in the Student Handbook that is distributed during orientation. Translations do not augment or reduce the grades; they are equivalent to the host university grades and credits. Once your course results are translated and processed, the Butler University registrar will send one official transcript to your home college or university and one to your home address. Butler University will not issue a transcript if you have an outstanding IFSA-Butler account balance or any fees, fines or damage costs owed to the host university.

Online Grades Some universities may make your grades available to you online. Grades provided online are not official, and the posting of grades online does not guarantee that your transcript has been prepared. Transcript Schedule Due to differences between the Irish and U.S. academic systems, your transcript will probably not be available for as long as five months after the end of your study abroad program. Most U.S. universities are used to this delay and will accept a phone call or letter from our office as explanation. Study Abroad Term Fall Spring Year Summer

Transcript Sent February–April July–September July–late September September–October

IFSA-Butler Letters of Explanation You may find yourself in jeopardy of losing academic scholarships and/or financial aid because your grades are not released in a timely manner by your host institution. To help you avoid penalties resulting from delayed transcripts, we are happy to provide letters of explanation. Please contact the IFSA-Butler Academic Affairs department if you need assistance.

The transcript issued by your host institution is considered a legal document, and neither IFSA-Butler nor Butler University can alter any part of it. We can make a change in class title, grade or credit only if we receive a revised official transcript from the host university.

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Avoiding Transcript Delays To help expedite your transcript you can do the following things: • • • •

Make sure you return an accurate course registration form to our Ireland office. Speak to your host university professors about any special deadlines you have for receiving grades. Turn your work in on time. The professor can’t issue your grade without all your work. Make sure all IFSA-Butler fees are paid, library books are returned and fines paid, no damages exist in your housing and no other debt exists in your name when you return to the United States.

Rush Transcripts If you need a rush transcript, notify the IFSA-Butler Ireland office in writing before returning to the United States using the rush transcript form located on our Ireland office website. We make every effort to expedite the transcript but cannot guarantee that your host university will rush grades to us. Additional Transcripts IFSA-Butler alumni may order additional transcripts after receiving their initial two transcripts from Butler University. You can make a request via the National Student Clearinghouse. You will need your Butler University student identification number in order to request your transcript. This number can be found on your Butler University transcript and in the IFSA-Butler student portal (login and password required). If you are unable to access your Butler University ID via these options, please phone IFSA-Butler’s Academic Affairs department and you will be asked a series of security questions in order to share your identification number. If you have any other questions about the transcript request process, please contact an academic records coordinator at 800-858-0229. Additional transcript fees and processing times: • Each additional transcript costs $9. • The National Student Clearinghouse processing fee is $2.25 per recipient. • All transcript requests are processed within five working days of receipt.

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Academic Record Appeal If you disagree with a grade, course title or credits on your Butler University transcript, you can initiate an academic record appeal through IFSA-Butler. More details about the appeal process, appeal criteria and deadlines will be included in the Student Handbook and are also available on our website. Note that we will not address an appeal for any class in which you have taken an alternate assessment, taken an early exam or arranged to submit an essay outside the required due dates.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Students who have reached the age of 18 or have entered into a postsecondary learning institution have the right to: • Inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the institution receives a request for access; • Have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records; • Seek to amend education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA; • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with requirements of FERPA. IFSA-Butler adheres to these fundamental rights of I sstudents who participate on IFSA-Butler programs.

Withdrawing from the Program W I IFSA-Butler may allow a student to leave the program early only in cases of severe medical or personal e problems, and only for circumstances approved by p yyour host university. Otherwise, IFSA-Butler does not rreport grades as incomplete. An incomplete or “abssent” grade will be reported on your Butler University transcript as a fail. Results from all courses will be t rreported to your home institution.

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FINANCES

Payments and Financial Aid IFSA-Butler Finance Office Our finance office processes all payments and invoices and is available to answer questions about payments, scholarships, consortium agreements and more. You can reach our finance office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET daily by calling 800-858-0229.

Program Fees We publish our fees for each upcoming semester, summer or year three to six months before departure, and we set our program fees in U.S. dollars to protect our students and their parents from currency fluctuations. Our fees are set and do not change because of changes in exchange rates. In order to balance out the exchange rate fluctuations and to stabilize our fees we use forward contracts, which can result in an average exchange rate that may vary significantly from the daily rates quoted by the banks.

What’s included in our program fee

Expenses not included in the program fee

Your IFSA-Butler program fee includes the following:

Expenses not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee include:

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tuition Housing Predeparture preparations Visa assistance Full-time resident staff in Dublin Orientation abroad (including accommodation and at least one substantial meal per day) Activities and events Excursions and day trips (semester/year programs) Basic student union/university activity fees Personal and academic support services 24/7 emergency assistance abroad Medical insurance and assistance plan Two academic transcripts issued by Butler University

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

Meals (unless noted on our website) Commuting expenses Vacation expenses International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport or visa Return transportation to the airport at the end of the program Personal property and travel insurance Tuition differentials Course overload surcharges Personal items, textbooks and supplies University linen deposits Costs related to independent housing

Tuition and Housing Invoices from IFSA-Butler IFSA-Butler sends invoices to each student’s designated billing address four to six weeks before the payment deadline. Students who apply and/or are accepted late may receive their invoices later. Invoices generally cover tuition and housing, but your invoice may vary if we have a direct billing arrangement with your home college or university (see Direct Billing Arrangements below). Payment deadlines are listed on page 25. Direct Billing Arrangements IFSA-Butler has direct billing arrangements with many U.S. colleges and universities. Direct billing institutions agree to pay all or part of the IFSA-Butler invoice on behalf of their students, and students in turn pay the direct billing institution instead of IFSA-Butler. If the home college or university pays for tuition or housing only, IFSA-Butler will send the unpaid portion of the invoice to the student’s parents. Our Money Matters booklet includes more details about direct billing arrangements. Our Student Portal will indicate whether or not your home college has a direct billing agreement with IFSA-Butler.

Other Invoices from IFSA-Butler IFSA-Butler sometimes sends additional invoices based on a student’s housing, enrollment or credit load. We mail these additional invoices to designated billing addresses toward the end of the semester. Meal Plans If you are assigned a room in a hall of residence with a meal plan, we will send a bill to your designated billing address near the end of your time abroad. No refund is available for unused portions of meal plans.. The fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler.org) list meal plan costs where relevant.

Supplemental Housing Fees The housing portion of our program fee is based on the cost of basic accommodation, usually a shared room in a dormitory, apartment or student house. Some housing assignments abroad incur supplemental charges that we pass on to our students. These charges are usually for mandatory meal plans but may also include fees for “full-service” facilities, activity fees, gown rental or activities associated with life in the housing. Most supplemental housing bills will be sent to your billing address near the end of your time abroad. However, small out-of-pocket costs such as linen and key deposits may be payable directly to your host university or housing office. Housing supplementals vary from university to university; the fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler. org) list each university’s housing supplementals. Tuition Supplemental Fees All IFSA-Butler fees are based on an arts and humanities fee structure. Some universities in Ireland set higher tuition for study in certain subjects (e.g., science, engineering, psychology, music, computer science and archaeology). Tuition supplementals vary from university to university; the fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler.org) outline which fees, if any, your host university will have and for which subjects. These fees reflect the costs of equipment the university has to provide for certain majors, rather than the costs of studying a course in that department.

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If you are admitted to a department that imposes a higher tuition fee, the university may charge you a tuition supplemental even if you do not take any courses in that department. We send supplemental tuition bills after enrollment abroad is confirmed. Be sure to investigate and discuss your program’s supplemental fees with your parents and home university’s study abroad office. Overload Fee Some host universities charge a fee for overloads (taking more than 16 U.S. semester credit hours). Our Ireland staff discuss overloads during orientation to help students fully understand their course load requirements and avoid unwanted bills. Withdraw Fees Some universities in Ireland have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date. Although IFSA-Butler students pay their fees to us instead of to the universities abroad, IFSA-Butler is contractually responsible for any fees incurred on behalf of our students. Therefore, we are obligated to follow these universities’ refund policies and to pass penalties along to our students. These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in predeparture emails from our program advisors.

Monthly Payment Plan Sallie Mae TuitionPay IFSA-Butler allows semester and year students to make monthly payments on the program fee through a plan offered by Sallie Mae TuitionPay. The TuitionPay plan can be used to pay any portion of the IFSA-Butler program fee except for the $500 program deposit.

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We automatically send a TuitionPay application to all parents, unless you have requested in writing that we not contact your parents. If you want to look over this information yourself, please call and request a copy from our finance office. The TuitionPay program is not available for summer programs. Using TuitionPay for Supplemental Costs You may also use TuitionPay to cover the cost of meal plans, supplemental housing fees and tuition supplementals. However, because these additional invoices are not sent until after your arrival and enrollment abroad, you will need to estimate the amount of the supplemental costs for your program and build that amount into your TuitionPay monthly payment. Sallie Mae will send you a refund if you overestimate the cost of supplementals. More Information About TuitionPay The IFSA-Butler finance office is happy to answer questions about TuitionPay. Our finance staff can be reached at 800-858-0229.

Payment Instructions Payment Due Dates and Financial Deadlines Program deposit Fall and year scholarship application Fall and year TuitionPay application and first payment Fall program fee Year program fee approx. 60 percent due balance due Spring scholarship application Spring TuitionPay application and first payment Spring program fee Summer scholarship application Summer program fee

Due 15 days after acceptance April 1 June 1 July 1 July 1 November 15 October 1 November 1 November 15 April 1 May 15

Please note that IFSA-Butler charges a $45 fee for late payments. How to Make Payments IFSA-Butler accepts payment by check or credit card. When making a payment, please follow these guidelines: • Make checks payable to the Institute for Study Abroad. Checks should indicate on the memo section the student’s full name and the name of the program abroad (e.g., University College Cork). • Send checks to: Institute for Study Abroad 6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 • You may pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by e-check via the “My Account” tab in your Student Portal. Processing fees for credit card payments are applicable. Delinquent Payments If we do not receive financial aid documentation or your full payment by the deadline listed above, you will be withdrawn from our program. You will not be refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket. Late Applicants If you apply after the application deadline, your $500 program deposit is required at the time you apply and is refundable only if you cannot be offered a place on an IFSA-Butler program. The program fee is due upon acceptance if you are accepted into a program after the program fee deadline.

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Financial Aid Payments IFSA-Butler accepts transfers of financial aid for payment of our program fees. Make an appointment with your home campus financial aid officer as early as possible and request a contractual/consortium agreement. A contractual/consortium agreement is your only guarantee that your financial aid will be transferred to your study abroad program. For more information, please consult Money Matters (included in your welcome packet). If you plan to apply financial aid toward the payment of the IFSA-Butler program fee, send us a copy of your contractual/consortium agreement (from your financial aid officer) and a copy of your financial aid award letter and/or loan guarantees. These documents should indicate the amount of financial aid award and its disbursal date. Butler University does not process financial aid for IFSA-Butler students unless they are pursuing an undergraduate degree from Butler University. Please do not send any correspondence to Butler University’s Office of Financial Aid.

Scholarships IFSA-Butler Scholarships IFSA-Butler believes that study abroad should be within the reach of every student, so we offer a wide range of scholarships for use on our programs. Some of these scholarships are for study in Ireland or for specific programs in Ireland, while others may be used for study in any of our programs abroad. Please visit our website for scholarship details and application deadlines. Other Scholarships Many companies and organizations offer scholarships for international study. A list of these opportunities can be found on our website.

Managing Your Money Abroad We suggest relying on a combination of cash, credit cards and a U.S. debit card while you are abroad. We’ll give you additional advice on money management during the orientation; in the meantime, here are a few guidelines. The best way to save money while studying abroad is to copy the financial lifestyle of local students.

Currency and Exchange Rates Northern Ireland The currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£). While money printed in Northern Ireland looks slightly different than that printed in England, Scotland or Wales, the currencies have equal value and can be spent throughout the U.K. Republic of Ireland The Republic’s currency is the euro (€), the main currency of the European Union. There are 100 cents to one euro. You can use euro throughout most of continental Europe. Currencies for Both Countries Euros and pounds sterling are not interchangeable, so you will have to convert currency if you travel between the two Irelands. The latest exchange rate is available at any bank, in most major newspapers and on the web at www.oanda.com.

Personal Checks Personal checks written in U.S. dollars can take months to clear. You should not bring, and your parents should not send, checks written in U.S. dollars.

Banking Semester Students Opening an Irish bank account is a great budgeting tool and will allow you to avoid incurring ATM fees each time you withdrawal cash from associated ATMs. For students studying in Ireland for one semester, we recommend this option. Academic Year students in the Republic of Ireland will be required to open an Irish bank account in order to register with the Gardaí (see page 32). All universities in Ireland have bank branches on or very near campus, and at some university sites, students have found that they can get accounts only at branches located on campus. Banking hours in

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Ireland generally are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The largest banks in the Republic are the Allied Irish Bank, the Bank of Ireland and the Ulster Bank. The largest banks in Northern Ireland are Anglo Irish Bank, Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland and Danske Bank. Summer Students Summer students will not be in Ireland long enough to open a bank account and should instead plan to use ATMs to access their U.S. bank account.

U.S. Bank Account ATM/Debit Cards You will probably be able to use your U.S. debit card at ATMs throughout Ireland. Cirrus and Plus systems are the most common networks, so be sure that your debit card lists one of these networks. Note that most ATMs abroad accept only 4-digit PINs. Contact your U.S. bank to be sure you can use your card in Ireland and throughout Europe if you plan to travel. Some U.S. banks block usage of debit cards in certain countries because of concerns about fraud. The main advantage of keeping a U.S. bank account is that it allows your parents to deposit money into your account at home, and you’ll be able to access money this way easily and immediately. The main disadvantage to using a U.S. debit card is the fees. Your U.S. bank, as well as the Ireland bank that owns the ATM you use, may charge a fee for each transaction. These fees can add up quickly. Don’t rely entirely on a U.S. debit card. If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t have access to emergency funds. Keep an emergency reserve of money just in case. Be sure to record your bank’s customer service telephone number and your account number in case you need to report a lost or stolen card.

When you go out, only take a few notes out with you for a cover and maybe one or two drinks while out. Try to make meals as much as possible and choose a few meals a week to spend money on. Spend money on the things that are important to you and things that will create the best and most lasting memories. –Lexi Pace, Wake Forest University Trinity College Dublin

We recommend calling your credit card company before departure to explain that you’ll be studying abroad in Ireland. This will decrease the likelihood of your international purchases being flagged as fraudulent. Keep a list of your credit card numbers and the card’s customer service numbers in case your cards are lost or stolen.

Wire Transfers

Credit Cards

If you need money in a hurry, you can have it sent to you via American Express or Western Union. You don’t need an American Express card to wire money.

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, both in Ireland and throughout the rest of Europe. Any credit card you use abroad must have your name on it as given on your passport. If you plan to use a parent’s credit card, your parent should request an extra card in your name.

Even though wiring money involves a large fee, it is relatively safe, and usually you can receive the money within one day. You will need your passport to collect the money. Some banks may also accept wire transfers.

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Student Expenses Abroad We’ve designed this section to give you and your parents an idea of the kinds of expenses you may have while in Ireland. Actual cost estimates can be found in the budget planner included in your welcome packet. In addition, each program page on our website includes Personal Cost Estimates for that program and city. No matter where you study in Ireland, the cost of living is higher than most places in the United States. Theaters, clubs, cinemas, shops, restaurants, grocery stores and pubs can rapidly drain your bank account. See our money saving tips on the next page.

Orientation Orientation is covered by your program fee and includes housing, breakfast and one other substantial meal a day. Past students have recommended bringing money for souvenirs, snacks and evening entertainment.

Emergency Reserve You should always have some money set aside for emergencies, whether it is your credit card or a cash reserve.

Groceries Depending on what you purchase, groceries can cost more in Ireland than at a supermarket in the United States. Food prices in general may be higher than you expect, so make sure your food budget is adequate. Because you may be cooking for yourself, take some time to learn a few easy recipes before you leave, or bring a small cookbook from home. Make sure your cookbook has temperature and metric equivalents, or bring a set of measuring cups and spoons from home.

Personal Expenses Be sure to budget for the following miscellaneous expenses in Ireland: • Small appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, etc. • Phone cards and/or cell phone (see page 42 for more information) • Haircuts • Laundry • Course supplies • Photocopying • Emergency cash reserve See your budget planner for more information about personal expenses.

Public Transportation Textbooks and Supplies Textbooks are readily available in Ireland and are comparable in price (sometimes less expensive, depending on the subject) to textbooks in the U.S. For some classes, study abroad students rely on the library and make photocopies of required readings. Be sure to budget enough money to purchase books and cover the cost of copying.

Fewer people have cars in Ireland, in part because public transportation is very reliable and popular. Most cities have public bus systems with convenient routes. Even if you’ll be living on or near campus, we recommend budgeting money for public transportation, since you’ll likely need it for shopping, sightseeing and going out with friends.

Dining Out Much of the social life in Ireland centers around pubs. Pubs tend to offer hearty, affordable meals, but keep in mind that alcohol is expensive and can lead to quick overspending. In addition, there are no free soda refills in Ireland. Tap water will save you money and is safe to drink. Meals in student cafeterias are inexpensive (equal to or cheaper than pub food), as are those in many fastfood restaurants.

Ask for student deals EVERYWHERE—food, shopping, travel, everything. Not something we’re used to in America, but they have a ton of them there. –Rachel Dudash, George Washington University NUI Galway

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Taxis Many students in Ireland’s larger cities use taxis when going out with friends. Taxis are pricey for just one or two people but can end up being cheaper than public transportation for a group of friends. Taxis in many areas charge on a meter-based system, but in some cities the price is fixed within certain areas. Our Ireland staff will advise you during orientation about ways to save on commuting costs.

Bicycles Many college students in Ireland, particularly in Galway and Ballyvaughan, use bicycles to get to and from classes. You can find secondhand bicycles through online ads, bulletin board notices and bike shops. We strongly recommend that you leave your own bike at home and rent one instead. Be sure to bring or purchase a quality bike lock. Bike helmets are not required in either Northern Ireland or the Republic. However, we recommend that you wear one for your own protection.

Phones Review the section on telephones and mail on pages 42 and 43 for specifics on telephones. This guide will help you budget for calling cards or cell phones in Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the post office offers telephone cards with good rates to the U.S. (see www.postoffice.co.uk). In the Republic of Ireland, phone cards are available at local news agents and post offices.

Tipping Ireland does not have the same tipping culture as the U.S. However, a 10–12.5 percent tip in restaurants is customary. Always check the receipt first to make sure a service charge has not already been added to your bill. In taxis, it is polite to round up the fare to the nearest euro or pound, or to give 10 percent if the driver has helped you with luggage or packages. It is not customary to tip in bars or pubs.

Money-saving tips for Ireland TIP #1: Consult Good Travel Resources Every savvy traveler should do extensive online research or purchase a good travel guidebook. We recommend Lonely Planet, Rick Steves and Rough Guides, all of which are geared for travelers on a budget and have all kinds of helpful tips about bargains, local sights, free events and attractions, and more. You can purchase these online or at any major bookstore in the travel section, or search information online. TIP #2: Always Ask for a Student Discount Always ask for a student discount. Don’t be shy — it can help save you a lot of money. Many stores have student discount cards, and your host university may have other discount passes you can pick up as well. Visit the student union to look for flyers advertising “Student Night” at local clubs, bars and restaurants. TIP #3: Talk to Irish Students The Irish students around you will undoubtedly be on a budget as well. Ask where they got their pots, pans, bedding, clothes, food, etc. and learn to shop like they do! TIP #4: Take Advantage of Coupons There are always going to be coupons in the local newspaper or online, and there are often people giving out flyers on the streets of shopping districts. If you haven’t used coupons before, learn to love them (even if you might feel a bit like your grandma!). TIP #5: Be a Savvy Grocery Shopper Many cities in Ireland have local street markets where local farmers/venders come to sell their wares. You can buy great fresh, locally grown produce and food at these markets. You also can meet interesting people while doing this—grocery shopping can become a fun cultural experience! TIP #6: Watch Your Pub Visits! Just like here in the U.S., alcohol is expensive in Ireland—only more so! Keep an eye on your pub budget.

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Entertainment The range of social activities in Ireland is wide enough to offer something for everyone. Tickets range in price, but student discounts (called “concessions”) are sometimes available if you know the time to queue (line up) for tickets. Bulletin boards and international offices at the universities are useful sources of information. Cinema tickets tend to be more expensive for first-run films than they are in the United States, but always ask for student rates and have your host university student ID handy.

Vacations Visit reliable websites or purchase good guidebooks when planning and budgeting for travel. Past students highly recommend the Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide. Both offer excellent print and online resources. In addition, the website hostelworld.com has downloadable and printable student guides to various cities in Europe. Student Discounts Travel throughout Ireland and Europe can be reasonable, with plenty of student discounts available. Check with your university’s student travel office to explore discount deals on bus and train passes. Train Travel Ireland’s rail system is reliable, affordable and comfortable. Trains run to and from Dublin from larger cities, and buses connect the smaller towns. Travel by Air Budget airlines such as Ryan Air and easyJet offer very inexpensive flights to England, Scotland and mainland Europe. Bike Travel Cycling is a popular and inexpensive way to see Ireland. Bikes can be rented for the day or for the week. Lodging Hostelling International has youth hostels throughout Ireland, ranging from a castle in Kilkenny to a fortress overlooking the ocean from the North Antrim coast to a mountain lodge in Tipperary. For information about joining, contact: Hostelling International USA Tel: 301-495-1240 www.hiusa.org

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You may also purchase a Youth Hostel Card at a campus travel office once you arrive in Ireland. Guidebooks and travel websites have great information on inexpensive lodging throughout Europe. For Ireland in particular, affordable places to stay are available in the forms guest houses, town and country homes, and bed and breakfasts.

Value Added Tax All stores throughout Ireland charge a value added tax (VAT) on various purchases. The VAT is 20 percent in Northern Ireland and 23 percent in the Republic. You can get a refund on the VAT on most goods, but no refund is available on the VAT for services. There are ways for non-Irish citizens to avoid the VAT, including shipping goods directly back to your U.S. address or asking the retailer to fill out a Cashback voucher at the point of sale, which will entitle you to a VAT refund when you depart Ireland. More information about the VAT will be given at orientation in Dublin.

Overall Budgeting Because of the different spending habits and resources of each of our students, we can’t estimate any one person’s budget needs. For an individual and accurate estimate, please complete the budget planner included in your welcome packet.

G E T T I N G R E A D Y T O L E AV E

Official Travel Documents You need the following documents for travel and immigration purposes: • Passport • PBS Tier 4 visa (for some Northern Ireland students—see information at right) • Student validation document (for all students)

Passport You must have a passport that is valid for six months past the time you plan to be abroad. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately. Normal processing takes six weeks and may take longer during peak travel times. Passport fees and requirements change frequently. For complete information about applying for a passport, go to the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov and click on “Passports.” You must present the following documentation to obtain a U.S. passport: • Proof of U.S. citizenship—either a certified copy of a birth certificate, a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship or a consular report of birth for a U.S. citizen born abroad • Two recent, identical passport photos (2” x 2”) • The completed passport application and fee If you are not a U.S. citizen, make sure both your permanent resident card (if applicable) and passport are current and valid. You might need to check with the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office near your university or home (check the web at www.uscis.gov).

PBS Tier 4 Visas (Northern Ireland) U.K. immigration regulations require that Northern Ireland students who meet the following criteria obtain a PBS Tier 4 visa before departure: • Students studying in the Northern Ireland for more than 180 days • Students who plan to pursue an internship (paid or unpaid) or volunteer work in Northern Ireland • Students who wish to work in Northern Ireland • Citizens of certain countries Your PBS Tier 4 visa is the only way you can work, intern or volunteer. If it is stamped with an employment “restriction” you will be allowed to work part time. If it is stamped with an employment “prohibition” you will not be allowed to work while abroad. Other students also may be required to get a PBS Tier 4 visa. Your program advisor will let you know if this applies to you. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will send detailed instructions on how to apply for a PBS Tier 4 visa. You must complete an online application no earlier than three months before the start of your program and submit to the U.K. government the following: • Your passport (which must be valid for six months past the time you plan to return from Ireland) • Two recent passport-sized photos (2” x 2”) • Your completed visa application • Biometric fingerprint scan receipt • Official documentation provided by IFSA-Butler These guidelines are subject to change and may differ for non-U.S. citizens. We’ll send you visa information with your acceptance packet. For up-to-date information about PBS Tier 4 visas, see the Study in the U.K. website at www. britainusa.com and click on “Visas and Visiting the U.K.”

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Gardaí Registration (Republic of Ireland) Upon registering at your university in the Republic of Ireland, you must register with the Gardaí Síochaná (police). The completed registration forms are sent to the Department of Justice to check against its records of foreign nationals entering the country. Registering with the Gardaí is a legal requirement. Failure to register can result in refusal of re-entry into Ireland or deportation for illegal alien status.

Visas—U.S. Citizens (Republic of Ireland) U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa for study abroad in the Republic of Ireland. See the column on the right for information about registering with the Gardaí upon arrival.

Visas—Non-U.S. Citizens (Republic of Ireland) Citizens of certain countries will need to apply in advance for a visa. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will notify you if this applies to you.

Perry International Due to the complicated nature of student visas and legal status abroad, IFSA-Butler has a partnership with Perry International, a passport and visa processing organization. Perry assists our students by providing information regarding Ireland’s entry regulations for study abroad students. Perry also provides visa processing services and passport application, expediting and renewals. IFSA-Butler pays the Perry International processing fees on each student’s behalf, but students are responsible for the payment of any visa or consular fees, passport fees, and shipping and mailing costs.

Visas for Other Countries If you plan to travel to other countries, be sure to investigate whether you’ll need a visa before you go. Many European countries have initiated more stringent visa requirements for citizens of some countries.

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Upon registration, you may be asked to present all or some of the following: • Your passport. • Student validation document (see next section). • Letter of registration from your Irish university, which you will receive when you register at your host university. • Financial guarantee letter (provided at the IFSAButler orientation in Ireland). The registration fee of €300 cannot be paid in cash. We advise all Republic of Ireland students to pay the fee by credit card to avoid any delays. We will provide you with more information about Gardaí registration during orientation. Your host university’s international office can also help.

Student Validation Document IFSA-Butler will email a copy of your student validation document to you prior to your U.S. departure. This document gives your full name, your host university and states that you have sufficient funds to study in Ireland. Present this document along with your passport at immigration in Ireland to prove that you are a fulltime study abroad student. If you leave Ireland during your time abroad, be sure to bring your passport and Gardaí immigration card in order to re-enter Ireland.

Copies of Your Travel Documents Keep track of all your travel documents. Make two copies of your passport and PBS Tier 4 visa; leave one copy with your parents and pack the other in your luggage separately from your passport. If you lose your passport, having a copy to take to the U.S. Embassy speeds the replacement process.

Booking Your Flight to Ireland IFSA-Butler partners with STA Travel to offer travel booking assistance for our students. There are several advantages to booking your flight reservations through STA: • • • • •

Work with an experienced travel agent Lock in the price of your international ticket with a deposit and pay the rest later Reduce or eliminate change fees with the option of a Multiflex Pass for flexible travel dates Compare airfare prices between airlines so you book a ticket that works for your budget and travel time International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is included

Any program student who arrives on their program date within the published arrival window will be provided with ground transportation from the airport to IFSA-Butler orientation. If you arrive outside of the published timeframe, you are responsible for your own transportation from the airport to the orientation location. The address and directions to the orientation location are included in the Travel Newsletter, which is email to students prior to their U.S. departure. Special Note for Northern Ireland Independent Travelers When booking your flight to Northern Ireland, do not fly from the Republic of Ireland, even for a layover. As a visiting student in the U.K., you are required to clear the United Kingdom’s Immigration and Passport Control, and you will go through the wrong immigration procedures if you fly to Belfast via the Republic of Ireland. If you cannot find a nonstop flight to Belfast, consider flying via London or Edinburgh.

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Insurance and Health Care IFSA-Butler Insurance The IFSA-Butler program fee includes a medical insurance, emergency assistance and evacuation plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI specializes in providing insurance for U.S. students who will receive treatment when outside the United States. All IFSA-Butler students are enrolled in the CISI insurance plan as a part of their study abroad program. The CISI program covers the following: • • • • • • •

Eligible medical expenses covered at 100 percent to $350,000 with no deductible Emergency medical evacuation to $250,000 Emergency medical reunion to $10,000 Pre-existing condition coverage up to $10,000 Mental health condition coverage to $10,000 (outpatient) and $50,000 (inpatient) Partial coverage for alcohol and drug abuse assistance Emergency medical and travel assistance services include: • Worldwide hospital, physician and mental health provider referral • Prescription replacement/shipment • 24 hour emergency travel arrangements and emergency services • Translation service • Lost document and credit card assistance

The IFSA-Butler reps were beyond kind. They went above and beyond with things that my friend and I needed help with, from faxing information home, to coming to the hospital (and staying til 2 a.m. when h one of us got sick), to helping us come up with ideas of things to do when our parents came to visit. The free spirit of the IFSA-Butler people made sure everything was always running smoothly and that we all had a great time. –Lauren Allan, Butler University University College Dublin 34

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There are exclusions to coverage that are outlined on the website at www.culturalinsurance.com/ifsa. All students should review the CISI coverage to determine if additional insurance will be needed while studying abroad, in particular students with preexisting conditions. Costs of any additional insurance purchased is the responsibility of the student. Dates of Coverage Coverage begins one day before the program start date and ends on the program end date. It can be extended 30 days before or after the program by contacting CISI directly. Coverage is applicable anywhere outside the U.S., not just the location in which the student is studying. Insurance Card You can print an individual insurance card and plan details before departure via the CISI website (www. mycisi.com) utilizing your personal account. Students will receive an email from CISI notifying you of enrollment in the insurance plan. Additional Insurance Please remember that IFSA-Butler does not provide travel or personal property insurance. If you want to insure your trip or belongings while you are abroad, contact a reputable travel insurance provider.

National Health Service (Northern Ireland) Only students studying in Northern Ireland for the full academic year are covered by the U.K.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Health Service (NHS). This coverage is valid only within the U.K.

Additional Insurance Sources To obtain travel, property or additional medical coverage for a pre-existing condition, we recommend contacting an insurance company that specializes in coverage for U.S. students abroad. Cultural Insurance Services International, which provides the insurance plan for IFSA-Butler students, can provide a range of insurance services. Cultural Insurance Services International 800-303-8120 www.culturalinsurance.com

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Prescription Drugs—Northern Ireland Northern Ireland program students have two options for continuing prescription medications overseas. The first option is to take with you all of the medication you will need for the your time abroad. A three-month supply of any prescribed drug must be accompanied by a letter from the prescribing physician (on letterhead) detailing your name, the generic name of the medication, the quantity of the medication being brought into Northern Ireland, and the reason the medication is needed.

Health Care Below are some predeparture health care recommendations, as well as some hints for communicating your medical needs to IFSA-Butler before the start of the program: • Have your family physician prepare a summary of ongoing treatment. • Bring an adequate supply of your medications (up to three months is allowed) and leave them in their labeled containers. • See “Prescription Drugs” on this page for more details on bringing medications to Ireland. • We recommend that you undergo complete physical, vision and dental exams prior to departure. • Update any vaccination(s) your physician recommends. • Please note any medical conditions on the medical form included in your acceptance packet. Remember that we keep all medical information strictly confidential. • If you have been treated for depression, anxiety, eating disorders or anything that can be classified as a mental health condition, discuss your study abroad plans with your support team. • Discuss the possibility of obtaining additional insurance coverage for treatment abroad with your parents or study abroad advisor.

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If you need to bring more than a three-month supply, you need to obtain a personal import license (www. homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/licensing/personal). Please note that you should pack all prescription medications in your carry-on bag, in their original containers with the pharmacy label. The other option is to have your prescriptions filled in Northern Ireland. If you chose to do so, make sure you to get a prescription from your U.S. doctor that includes the chemical name of the drug, as well as the dosage. Also ask your doctor to make sure it’s commercially available in Northern Ireland. When you arrive at your host university, you will have to register at your university’s student health center and have them write you a prescription so that it can be filled at a pharmacy in Northern Ireland. The National Health Service (NHS) fills most prescriptions for less than $20.

Prescription Drugs—Republic of Ireland

Students with Disabilities

Republic of Ireland program students can bring up to a 90-day supply of prescription medication with them to Ireland. The medicine should be accompanied by a letter from the prescribing physician (on letterhead) detailing your name, the generic name of the medication, the quantity of the medication being brought into Ireland, and the reason the medication is needed.

We encourage students with physical and learning disabilities to explore studying abroad through our programs. We can work with you and our affiliated universities to find a program that most closely meets your needs in a community that is as accessible as possible.

Your parents can also ship up to 90 days’ worth of medication to you in Ireland, but they must send it via the Irish Medicines Board and notify the IMB in advance at enforcement@imb.ie or 353 1 634 3432.

We can investigate the availability of modified facilities, adaptive equipment, learning disability policies, local medical facilities or other required services. Equipment or services may result in an additional cost to you.

The package must include your full legal name, a prescription from the physician and a detailed description of the drugs. Your package may be held at customs or confiscated if any of these things are not done.

If you have a learning disability, be aware that universities in Ireland do not allow unlimited test times in private rooms with computers. You should expect to receive no more than an extra 10 to 15 minutes for every hour of the standard testing time, with no private room.

Immunizations There are no specific immunizations required for study in Ireland, but we recommend that you make sure that your immunizations are up to date before departure. Visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for recommendations and health alerts.

You can inform IFSA-Butler of any medical condition by filling out the medical form in your acceptance packet. Medical conditions have no bearing on your admission, but your study abroad experience may be negatively affected if all parties involved are not adequately informed of your needs. Please note that requests for special arrangements or accommodations require documentation from your home college or university, as well as from a physician or therapist.

IIFSA-Butler made my study abroad program an absolute success. IIt all started with them helping me get prepared for my trip by ssending me reminders and telling me all the things I should accomplish before I leave. Then we had orientation in Dublin where we got to meet the staff on board, who were all amazing. They made themselves very available for any questions or concerns throughout the semester, which was great to have. –Katie Downey, Berea College Queen’s University Belfast

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Packing

Packing Tips

Please do not overpack! Storage space is usually minimal and closets in student residences are very small. If you are in university housing and staying over a vacation period, you might be required to store your things in a centrally secured room for the break.

Luggage Size and Weight • Visit your airline’s website to view checked baggage policies and any fees for checked bags. • Do not attempt to exceed your airline’s baggage limit. If you do, the airline staff can make you repack and/or pay an extra weight fee. • You will have to carry your luggage everywhere, so make sure that you can manage all your luggage by yourself. • Carry-on luggage must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We recommend that you keep your carry-on weight to about 10 pounds since you’ll be navigating very large airports.

Pack wisely and use suitable luggage. Trunks are too heavy and impossible to handle alone, and suitcases are bulky and tiring to carry. Past students suggest a sturdy, internal-frame backpack as the ideal piece of luggage. A backpack, small suitcase and small carry-on are all the luggage you should need.

Climate Ireland has a mild, damp climate. Temperatures are fairly constant over the whole country, averaging 35° to 45°F in January and February and 57° to 72°F in July and August. Showers occur throughout the year but often pass quickly.

Protecting Your Luggage From Theft and Loss • Make luggage tags to identify all of your luggage, including your carry-on. • Put labels inside your luggage in case the outside labels fall off. • If you put a lock on your bag, make sure it is approved by the Transportation Security Administration (see www.tsa.gov); otherwise, airline security may cut it off. Protecting Your Documents and Valuables • Do not pack your tickets, passport, travel documents, medication or valuables in your checked luggage. Keep them on your person at all times. • Do not put valuables in a backpack; backpacks are prone to theft. General Packing Advice • Pack what you’ll need first on top in one bag. • Pack shampoos, toothpaste and any other liquids or gels in plastic bags. • A plastic bag can also be used to separate clean and dirty laundry and to hold wet clothes (resealable bags are the best). • Pack your carry-on so that you can live out of it for a few days if your checked luggage gets lost. • If you can’t decide whether to take something expensive or sentimental, ask yourself how you would feel if it was lost or stolen. • Leave room in your luggage to bring home the things you acquire while abroad. • Keep FAA regulations in mind when packing your carry-on. Do not bring anything that could be considered a weapon onto the plane.

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Suggested Packing List Clothes—Semester and Year Students • A hooded rainproof coat with a zip-out lining • A few sweaters (wool or fleece are best) • Jeans and/or casual pants and/or skirts • A few shirts • Two pairs of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes • At least one dressy outfit with the appropriate shoes • Underclothes • Workout clothes • Pajamas • A warm hat, scarf and gloves • A set of long underwear (winter can be very damp, as well as cold) Clothes—Summer Students • A hooded rainproof coat with a zip-out lining • One or two sweaters • Jeans or lightweight casual pants • A few pairs of shorts • Casual short-sleeve shirts • At least one dressy outfit with the appropriate shoes • Underclothes • Workout clothes • Two pairs of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes • Pajamas

Do Not Bring • Expensive jewelry or items with sentimental value • Too much cash • Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia of any kind • Electrical appliances (Ireland uses different plugs and voltage.) • Too much luggage

Laundry methods may be hard on your clothes, so pack clothes that can take some abuse. You might have to dry your clothes on a line. Health, Hygiene and Safety • Comb, brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, shaving gear and washcloth • Toiletries and cosmetics to get you through the first week. You can purchase more as necessary in Ireland. • Prescription medicine in labeled containers and a written copy of the prescription • Contact lens solution, an extra pair of contacts or glasses and your prescription • Sunglasses • Condoms and/or birth control • A small first-aid kit Miscellaneous • Portable alarm clock and extra batteries • Good quality umbrella and rain gear • Addresses and phone numbers of family, relatives and friends • A bike lock if you plan to rent or buy a bicycle • Recipes (with metric equivalents) • Money belt or waist pouch to hold passport, money, etc.

Save as much as you can before you leave! I made sure I saved $5,000 before I left, and my parents gave me some, too. You also need to learn how to “ball on a budget” and book your flights ahead of time. –Sheila De Young, Susquehanna University University of Limerick M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

Your Ideal Carry-On Bag • Passport: check to ensure that it is valid six months past the time you are scheduled to be abroad • Student validation document, which we will email to you prior to your U.S. departure • Your plane tickets or e-ticket confirmations • Travel-size toiletries • Credit cards, debit card and limited cash • Something to read • Something to listen to • Journal and a pen • A change of clothes in case your checked luggage is lost • Medications and written prescriptions • Sweater and/or waterproof jacket • Spare glasses and/or contact lenses and solution (the plane can be very dry, so you might want to wear glasses instead of your contact lenses) • Water (purchased after clearing security) and a small snack • Camera • Laptop, tablet and/or e-reader You should also pack in your carry-on all your important paperwork: • Contact details for your home college advisor • Name and email of your IFSA-Butler program advisor and resident director • Contact details for your physician(s) • CISI insurance card • Updated home university transcript (a student copy is fine; you might need it during registration) • Your final Ireland Essentials predeparture update, which will be emailed to you prior to your U.S. departure. The Ireland Essentials update will include numbers for our Ireland office and directions for where to go upon your arrival.

Linens and Towels If possible, you will be advised about what linens are provided when you receive your housing assignment. If you don’t have your housing assignment prior to departure, you should plan to buy inexpensive linens when you arrive at your host university. In some housing options, students must rent or purchase duvets and pillows. All students must provide their own towels. Most students purchase towels in Ireland in order save room in their luggage, but we recommend bringing at least one washcloth with you, as these are not commonly used in Ireland.

Contact Lenses Pack a spare set of lenses and your eyeglasses in case of emergency. Bring your lens or glasses prescription. Your favorite contact care brands will probably be available in Ireland, but the cost of solution is very expensive compared to in the United States. You may want to take enough to last your entire time abroad.

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Appliances Don’t bring any electrical appliances from home. You’ll need a voltage converter and plug adapter to make anything with a motor work in Ireland’s threepronged, 240V outlets. Converters are unreliable and can even be fire hazards. Small appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons are easy to acquire in Ireland and are relatively inexpensive.

Medication See page 36 for more details on taking medication to Ireland.

Musical Instruments If you bring a musical instrument, pack it in a hard case and insure it. Instruments count as extra luggage on the flight and may incur an additional fee. If you bring a stringed instrument, loosen or remove the strings to reduce the tension on the neck during the flight. Endsleigh Insurance offers a special coverage package for musical instruments. See www.endsleigh.co.uk.

Technology and Communications Laptops The only type of computer you should consider taking abroad is a laptop. Below are the pros and cons of bringing your own computer. Pros of Bringing a Laptop • The convenience of working on your assignments anywhere and anytime you want. • Immediate access for working on papers, uploading photos, etc. • No need to familiarize yourself with a different computer and software in Ireland. • University computer labs in Ireland usually close by 9 p.m. Cons of Bringing a Laptop • High risk of damage and theft—Be sure to purchase additional personal property insurance. • Internet may be slow or not available at all in your housing, which will limit the usefulness of your laptop. • Your laptop will work only if it has an internal voltage switch to work with Ireland’s higher voltage electrical currents. • Power surges are common and can damage your laptop. • You will need to purchase a plug adapter so that your laptop can plug into an outlet in Ireland. • You will need to find a safe place to store your laptop when you travel, or bring it along with you. If you do decide to bring your laptop, we recommend bringing an ethernet cable, as some housing options still use ethernet for Internet access. You can also purchase an inexpensive cable in your host city. Some Northern Ireland students have heard that a laptop less than six months old will be taxed upon entry to the U.K., and that students must bring a receipt to prove ownership of the laptop. Though these rules do exist, they do not apply to students who use a laptop for educational purposes.

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Computer Labs

Calling Cards

Computer labs are available at all the Irish universities with which IFSA-Butler works, although labs are rarely open 24 hours a day. You will be assigned a university email account.

You can sign up for U.S.-based calling cards from AT&T, Sprint or other major phone providers. The bills for these calls can be included in your parents’ home phone bill, or in a separate bill if you choose. You can use these cards from any type of phone while in Ireland. Be sure to compare costs when choosing a card.

Internet Cafes Internet cafes are available throughout Ireland. For a small fee, you can have access to email and the Internet.

Tablets and E-Readers You may find iPads, Kindles or other tablets and e-readers useful while abroad. However, keep in mind that an outlet charger will not work abroad due to Ireland’s different voltages and plugs. You can use a USB charger with your laptop, or if you’re not bringing a laptop, you can purchase a travel adapter kit to charge your devices. Please be sure that all your electronics are insured against theft and damage.

Voltage Converters The U.S. operates on a 110V electrical system, while Ireland has a 230V and 240V system. Most laptops and some small items such as shavers and camera battery chargers may be designed to handle both types of voltages; check the product information carefully. Otherwise you’ll need a voltage converter to operate any appliance from the U.S. Voltage converters are often unreliable and can result in electrical shock, damage to the device or even fire. This is why we recommend purchasing small appliances abroad.

Plug Adaptors

Calling Plans Many U.S.-based cell phone and land line companies offer special calling plans for frequent international calls. Your family and friends should shop around to find the best deals.

Telephones As in the U.S., pay phones are gradually disappearing in Ireland. Telephones are available in some individual rooms at the host universities but not in all rooms. Pay phones are available throughout each campus and in most halls of residence. In the Republic of Ireland, phones are also available in IFSA-Butleroperated housing for incoming calls only. Ireland has two different kinds of phones: card phones and pay phones, although some telephones function as both. With card phones, you purchase phone cards, available in local news agents and post offices in increments of £2–£20 (Northern Ireland) or €2–€50 (Republic of Ireland). Special card-phone booths set up for these cards tick off the pounds or euros as the phone call proceeds.

The shape of outlet plugs are also different in Ireland. You’ll need a plug adaptor for any appliance or electronic device from the U.S., even those designed to handle a higher voltage electrical system.

Calls to Ireland

Cell Phones

• 011 to get your call routed out of the United States • 44 to route your call to Northern Ireland; or 353 to route your call to the Republic of Ireland • the three-digit area code • the local phone number

IFSA-Butler requires all students to have a cell phone while abroad. Phones must be able to send and receive texts from our Ireland office, and we will collect cell numbers from students during orientation. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor is happy to answer questions about the cost and process of bringing or purchasing a cell phone abroad.

Many of these companies also offer prepaid phone cards that can be used internationally, but you may find that prepaid cards bought in Ireland (see Pay Phones below) offer better deals and are easier to use.

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When your friends and family call Ireland, they’ll need to use international codes. To call Ireland from the United States, dial:

Note that calls within Ireland usually begin with a 0, but callers from the U.S. should drop the 0 when dialing your number.

Online Calling Options Skype is a great way to make free or low-cost calls internationally. The only drawback to using Skype is that the site may not work well with low bandwidth Internet connections, which can be an issue with many university housing options in Ireland. Though a webcam is nice for seeing your family and friends on the other end of the call, foregoing the webcam will give you more bandwidth and lower the chances of being disconnected. Google Talk offers Voice Over IP services online. It has fewer options than Skype but typically requires less bandwith.

Phone Home Schedule Regardless of how you choose to contact your family, we advise you to set up a schedule for calling home. A schedule allows you to call when costs are lowest, and it also helps minimize your family’s worry about having you abroad because they know when to expect your calls.

The United States Postal Service and international shipping companies all have their own rules regarding fees, customs charges and invoices for packages. Your family and friends should ask detailed questions and understand the postal or shipping company’s guidelines before sending parcels to Ireland. Items to Avoid Shipping Abroad • Clothes: Whether they are previously worn or new, you’ll pay high customs charges and handling fees that often add up to more than the actual value of the clothing. Plan a little extra money in your budget to purchase anything you can’t bring in your luggage. • Laptops or other electronics: These are likely to get damaged or stolen in transit and will incur huge customs charges and handling fees. • Valuables • Medications for Northern Ireland. See page 37 for details about shipping prescriptions to the Republic of Ireland.

Mail Mail generally takes five to 10 days to reach the United States. Packages sent to or from Ireland via surface mail may take up to eight weeks for delivery. Airmail packages may take up to two weeks. Be sure to tell your family and friends not to send mail to your Ireland address prior to arrival.

Shipping Packages Shipping Companies If someone in the U.S. needs to send you something important or urgent, have them send it via UPS, Fedex, TNT, DHL or the U.S. Post Office’s “Global Express Guaranteed” service. Remember that these services usually will not deliver to a post office box, so the sender needs to provide a street address.

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LIVING ABROAD

Housing The IFSA-Butler program fee includes housing between the program start and end dates. IFSAButler students in Ireland usually live in the following types of housing: • University-operated dormitories • University-operated residential colleges • Student apartments • IFSA-Butler housing

University-Operated Dormitories University-operated dorms are somewhat like American residence halls, but they involve a much greater level of community life. They often have amenities such as kitchens, laundry rooms and study lounges, as well as student organizations that arrange social and sporting programs. Where meal plans are compulsory, the cost is your responsibility; we will send a supplemental bill to your designated billing address to cover this cost toward the end of the semester. There are no refunds for unused meal plan portions. Some IFSA-Butler programs in Australia include the cost of the meal plan in the program fee; consult the fees on our website for your individual program.

University-Operated Residential Colleges University-operated housing comes in the form of residence halls. Residence halls are somewhat like American dorms, but they involve a much greater level of community life. They often have amenities such as kitchens, laundry rooms and study lounges, as well as student organizations that arrange social and sporting programs. Where meal plans are compulsory, the cost is your responsibility; we will send a supplemental bill to your designated billing address to cover this cost toward the end of the semester. There are no refunds for unused meal plan portions.

Student Apartments Student apartments are usually owned by the host university but are not necessarily on campus. Apartments may require a commute via public transportation, bicycle or walking. Student apartments generally have well-equipped kitchens for cooking.

IFSA-Butler Housing IFSA-Butler provides student housing in Dublin for students who aren’t offered places in university housing. IFSA-Butler housing includes shared bedrooms, common areas and kitchens, and are within walking or commuting distance of classes.

Independent Housing Although IFSA-Butler guarantees and arranges housing for students on our programs, you may choose to arrange your own housing abroad. Most students who choose independent housing do so because of health or religious reasons, or because they wish to stay with family.

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Should you choose our independent housing option, we will not charge you the housing component of your program fee.

gram. If you do not receive notice of your address before departure, you can expect to have it in writing at orientation.

You must make all housing arrangements on your own, including deposits, damage costs and payment of utilities. In addition, your home college study abroad office will need to give permission in writing for you to arrange your own housing. IFSA-Butler does not assist in resolving independent housing issues.

Housing Changes and Withdraws

General Housing Information The Ireland Student Housing Experience IFSA-Butler does not provide special housing for students on our Ireland programs. We want your experience to be reflective of the student life in Ireland, so you’ll be living in the same housing as degree students. Although student housing in Ireland is not luxurious, it is clean and suitable for student living. Housing Assignments IFSA-Butler works with each university in Ireland to secure housing for our students throughout the semester, year or summer abroad. We guarantee housing as part of our program fee. In most programs, the host university housing office makes housing assignments. These housing assignments are based on the requests you make on the IFSA-Butler housing preference form, which is part of our application process. Some host universities have separate housing forms that students must also complete as part of the application process. Please note that we guarantee housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences. Housing Variations We provide a comparable standard of accommodation for all program participants. We take care to ensure that all accommodations meet our quality standards, but exact conditions, equipment and amenities vary between programs and even sometimes within the same university. Housing Offer Notification When we receive your housing offer from your university in Ireland, we will forward it to you. However, sometimes we don’t receive university housing assignments prior to the start of the pro-

Housing Changes Once made, housing arrangements are difficult to change. Should you choose to leave your assigned housing, the university accommodation office may impose a severe financial penalty or you may have to pay the remainder of the rent due on the original housing assignment. Housing Refund Policy Students who withdraw from their housing after the specified date for the payment of fees (November 15 for the spring and July 1 for fall and year programs) will not receive a refund for the portion of the program fee covering housing unless the space can be filled. There are no refunds whatsoever if you leave the housing after the term or semester has begun. Host University Withdraw Policies Some universities in Ireland have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date. These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our

I was worried about money, but IFSAButler taught us in the first few days many ways to save money and the best stores to shop at and brands to buy. After learning their tips, I was set and never worried about money. –Elaina Laughlin, Shenandoah University Queen’s University Belfast

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website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in predeparture emails from our program advisors.

Special Housing Requests Roommate Requests Students are welcome to make roommate requests, but these requests must be mutual and in writing. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t guarantee that requests will be granted. Single-Sex Housing All accommodations, including student apartments, are coed unless otherwise stated. You may make a request for single-sex housing, but single-sex housing is limited at many universities and is often unavailable altogether.

Housing Policies Housing Vacation Policy Housing is guaranteed only for the time classes are in session and for examination periods. Some universities ask students to move out of housing during vacations and store belongings in a central facility. If your university gives you the option of staying over vacation, you will have to make arrangements with the university and pay any fees directly to the university. Housing Contract All students sign a housing contract at the IFSAButler orientation. Visitors Overnight guests are allowed in most housing options, subject to permissions and regulations. Be sure to learn and follow the rules of your housing.

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Housing Amenities and Utilities Linens Because the policies vary from university to university, you should wait for your housing assignment before planning to pack bedding items. We will inform you of all pertinent housing details in your housing offer letter. If we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to provide you with your housing assignment before departure, we recommend that you plan to purchase linens after your arrival in Ireland. All students must provide their own towels. Kitchen Supplies In some university-operated housing, students must provide their own pots, pans, crockery and other food preparation items. We recommend that you wait and see what supplies are in your housing, as past residents often leave things behind. You might also be able to share the cost with roommates. Heating In Ireland, heating is turned on later in the season (and/or later in the evening) than would be the case in the United States. In addition, the heating system might not be as efficient as you are used to. You should expect to dress warmly indoors to make up for this difference. The cost of heat is included in the IFSA-Butler program fee, but remember that your roommates may be paying for their own heating bills. Please be considerate of their budget and of the need to conserve energy. Air Conditioning Summer students should be aware that student housing in Ireland is rarely air conditioned. Summers in Ireland are generally mild, with temperatures rarely climbing above 75ÂşF, so in most summers air conditioning is not needed. However, Ireland has occasional hot spells, which can make for an uncomfortable living situation. You may need to purchase a small fan in Ireland if you find your housing too warm.

Legal Matters Student Status You will enter Ireland on student status. You may or may not need a PBS Tier 4 visa (see page 31 for details); your IFSA-Butler program advisor will inform you of whether you need one.

Legal Status While abroad, you are subject to local laws and customs that may vary considerably from U.S. practice. Ignorance of the law never serves as a defense for criminal activity. Wherever you are, be careful not to break the law. IFSA-Butler does not provide legal advice or support to students arrested abroad. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to dismiss you from the program if you are charged with a crime.

Driving Under the Influence Ireland has severe penalties for drinking and driving. Never drive a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Possession and Sale of Narcotics Students who are caught using, possessing or dealing in drugs are subject to high fines, imprisonment and deportation. If you are accused of any illegal drug offense, you will be subject to Ireland’s laws, and your U.S. citizenship will not provide any special protection.

Customs Irish Customs regulations allow students to bring in personal belongings for use in their studies without being liable to duty, as long as they take them out of the country when they leave. When you re-enter the United States, U.S. Customs will require you to declare all items purchased abroad. Keep an account of the costs of purchases, including sales slips. Customs officials have the right to see them. There are penalties for underestimating the value of declared articles or not reporting them at all. Customs regulations and charges are subject to change, so be sure to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.customs.ustreas.gov for up-to-date information. For more information about Republic of Ireland Customs regulations, visit http://www.inis.gov.ie/. For Northern Ireland Customs regulations, visit Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Employment IFSA-Butler strongly discourages students from working. Study abroad requires a big investment, and your courses will take up most of your time. The jobs most study abroad students find are ones usually held only by international students, so working is not a good way to meet local people. Even if you want to work, you may not be able to find a job. If you want to work in Northern Ireland, you must obtain a PBS Tier 4 visa to ensure that you receive an employment “restriction” rather than an employment “prohibition.” With a PBS Tier 4 visa, students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and any number of hours per week during breaks. In the Republic of Ireland, full year international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. Students studying for one semester only or for the summer are not permitted to work without a permit. Our staff will review the details of employment laws during orientation. If you violate employment laws, you may be deported at your own expense.

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Health and Safety Alcohol

Personal Safety Precautions Students tend to let down their guard when studying abroad, but being vigilant and cautious is as important in Ireland as it is at home. We recommend the following basic safety precautions while studying and traveling abroad: Register with the U.S. State Department Register online with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can enroll for free at https://step.state.gov/step/. This will allow the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get in contact with you in the event of an emergency. Read the State Department Travel Advisories These are available for all countries, so be sure to read them for any place you plan to visit. Our Ireland office routinely updates students on new State Department travel advisories, cautions and warnings, and updates are also available online at www.travel.state.gov. Keep a Low Profile Try to blend in with the host country’s surroundings as much as possible. Avoid speaking loudly and wearing clothes that mark you as a U.S. student (e.g., university fraternity or sorority shirts). Don’t hang out at tourist gathering places and do not travel with large groups of Americans. Be Cautious When Meeting New People Don’t give out your address, phone number or email and don’t feel like you have to “friend” new people on social media networks. Be aware of your surroundings and new people you meet.

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The legal drinking age is 18 in both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and alcohol is a pervasive presence both on and off campus. Pubs are a large part of the social scene. Although IFSA-Butler never pays for alcohol at events we sponsor, university-sponsored events might provide alcohol. Think about how you’ll deal with the easy access to alcohol before you go. Socializing with Irish students doesn’t mean you have to drink, and ordering a soft drink at a pub is perfectly acceptable. We recommend that you drink moderately if you choose to drink. We cannot emphasize enough how many discipline and safety issues are caused by overindulgence with alcohol and how many study abroad experiences are soured because of it. Most complaints and police encounters that involve study abroad students stem from the abuse of alcohol.

Alcohol Abuse If you are currently in a program to control your alcohol abuse, please inform us on the medical form that is included in your acceptance email. Any information you relay to us will be kept confidential and will not affect your ability to enroll in our program. We can help you find continuing counseling and support abroad. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to remove from the program any student who behaves in a violent or self-destructive manner or who is charged with an alcohol-related crime.

Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety Medication Students who are taking medication for a mental health condition should continue treatment unless advised by a physician to stop. Temporary changes in scene can make students feel overconfident that they are fine and no longer need their medication, but in reality, ceasing medication can have disastrous effects. Please see pages 36 and 37 for more information about taking prescription medication into Ireland.

Counseling Students with mental health conditions (including eating disorders, substance abuse problems and depression) are particularly susceptible to increased stress while studying abroad. We ask that you fully disclose any mental health condition to us before departure so that we can help arrange counseling support for you abroad. Any information will be completely confidential. Counseling practices in Ireland are very similar to those in the United States. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can give you the names of professionals in Ireland before departure so that you can continue your counseling abroad. In addition, our Ireland office can offer help, support and additional referrals if necessary. Additional medical insurance may be required to cover counseling sessions abroad.

Crime Petty theft is common throughout Ireland. Leave valuable personal property locked in a safe place, and avoid traveling alone late at night. Make sure that the doors and windows of your housing are locked at all times. We encourage you to leave anything of monetary or sentimental value in the U.S.

Personal Safety Precautions (continued) Travel in pairs It’s always safer to travel with a friend instead of traveling alone. Do Not Hitchhike Local students may tell you hitchhiking is safe, but hitchhiking is no safer in Ireland than in the United States. When Traveling, Share Your Travel Plans When leaving your host city for personal travel, complete the online travel form to let our Ireland office know where you’re going. More details will be included in the Student Handbook at orientation. Also share your travel plans with family or friends, especially if you’ll be out of cell phone range or away from email for several days.

During orientation, we provide tips on how to carry credit cards and cash, and how to find help in case of an emergency. Our staff also focus on personal safety and common sense rules of living abroad.

Have Enough Money Make sure you have enough money with you, especially when you’re traveling. Keep your cash, credit cards and debit card in separate places in case of theft.

There is no reason to be unduly concerned about crime in Ireland. Incidences of violent crime are lower than in the United States, but it is still important to take reasonable precautions with your personal safety and belongings.

Do Not Leave Your Bags Unattended Do not agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone, and never leave your bags unattended. Keep in Touch with Current Events Know what’s going on politically in the world by keeping up with the news. Keep in Touch with Our Ireland Office Should an emergency occur in Ireland, check in immediately by phone or email with our Ireland office. Also contact your parents to let them know you are fine.

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Drink Spiking

Loneliness and Homesickness

Be aware of the dangers of drink spiking. When at a disco or pub, never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger. If you sense that your drink has been tampered with, tell a friend or seek help from an employee immediately.

Adjusting to a new way of life can be very stressful, and homesickness is common in study abroad. If you get homesick, we encourage you to share your feelings with someone. Counseling services are available on your campus, and the IFSA-Butler Ireland office is only a phone call away.

Eating Disorders Eating disorders are common among U.S. university students and the stress of studying abroad sometimes causes these disorders to intensify. Both our U.S. and Ireland offices can help you locate counseling at your host university, or with a community support group if you would rather seek help off campus.

Fire Safety Fire codes and safety standards in Ireland are very strict. Make an effort to learn the fire safety regulations of your housing, and be sure to follow all rules regarding candles, cooking, appliances, etc. In addition, protect yourself by memorizing the location of exits and fire extinguishers.

To combat homesickness, get involved in a sport or group. Keep a regular, healthy diet and exercise schedule, get enough sleep and continue your interests.

Natural Disasters Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperate climate keeps it relatively free of the natural disasters that plague other parts of the world, but occasional strong weather happens. Potential weather problems can include strong thunderstorms, gale-force winds and floods. In the event of serious weather, IFSA-Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ireland staff will alert students in advance if possible and issue safety precautions.

Political Demonstrations LBGTQ Rights Irish attitudes to LGBTQ people would be considered among the more liberal in Europe. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1993, and most forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation is now illegal.

Both Irelands are very stable, peaceful societies, but occasionally political events and controversial issues can spark public demonstrations. IFSA-Butler warns all students to steer clear of pickets, marches, strikes and demonstrations. Students in Northern Ireland should avoid any neighborhoods where planned marches are scheduled. While generally peaceful, these events can turn violent quickly.

Program Evacuation IFSA-Butler has a lengthy evacuation plan for students in all locations. In the unlikely event of a serious terrorist attack, devastating natural disaster or political unrest in Ireland, we would follow our evacuation procedures in consultation with the U.S. embassy, our evacuation assistance provider and our on-site office in Ireland. Our policy is to initiate emergency travel or evacuation only as a last resort and/ or when recommended by the U.S. State Department. During any kind of crisis abroad, IFSAButler stays in close contact with students, their parents and each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home college or university.

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Sexual Heath STDs are as large a health threat in Ireland as they are in the United States. Take the same precautions as you would at home. Most student unions, pharmacies and grocery stores sell condoms. Some other forms of contraception can be bought off the shelf but require referral from a family planning association. Your student health center can provide you with information regarding emergency contraception. Marie Stopes International offers reproductive health services, including contraception, emergency contraception and referrals to general practitioners. To learn more about the services this organization offers, visit the Marie Stopes International website at www.mariestopes.org.uk. Birth control pills are available in Ireland in the same dosages as in the United States, but brand names may differ. Pharmacies are under no obligations to fill U.S. prescriptions, so you may need to have a local doctor write you a new prescription. Once you have registered with the university doctor and undergone an exam, the doctor can write you a prescription.

Kayaking in Connemara during the IFSA-Butler Killary weekend was quite amazing. Being in the water and looking at my surroundings and realizing that I was in one of the most beautiful places on Earth was glorious. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Mary Cecilia Conte, Wake Forest University University College Cork

Reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy by behaving responsibly and protecting yourself.

Smoking In Ireland, smoking is banned in all enclosed public places, including bars, clubs and restaurants. If you are a smoker, note that cigarettes are even more heavily taxed in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland than in the U.S.

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Embassy and Consular Services U.S. Embassy and Consulates abroad provide the following services: • Replacement of passports • Assistance in locating medical service and notifying friends and family in case of emergency • Assistance with finances if money is lost or stolen • Attorney lists, transfer of money and notification of family for U.S. citizens in jail • Disaster or emergency evacuation assistance The U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not serve as travel agencies, banks, law offices, police or job placement services. The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Ireland is located at: 42 Elgin Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Telephone: +353-1-668-8777 Emergencies (for U.S. citizens): +353-1-668-9612 Fax: +353-1-668-9946 http://dublin.usembassy.gov The U.S. Consulate in Northern Ireland is located at: Danesfort House 223 Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5GR Telephone: +44 (0)28 9038 6100 Emergencies (out of hours): +44-7545-507738 Fax: +44 (0)28 9068 2219 http://belfast.usconsulate.gov/

Registering With the Embassy We strongly recommend that you register your semester, year or summer abroad with the U.S. Embassy in Dublin (Republic of Ireland students) or the U.S. Consulate in Belfast (Northern Ireland students). You can do so online with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering your address and dates abroad will allow embassy officials to reach you in the event of an natural disaster or other national emergency in Ireland, and it would also help the embassy to assist you if you experience a serious medical or personal emergency abroad. You can enroll for free at https://step.state.gov/step/. If you are not a U.S. citizen, we recommend registering with your home country’s embassy in Ireland before departure. However, you can still register with STEP to receive emergency updates. 52

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Program Safety IFSA-Butler is committed to ensuring the safety of all students on our programs. We ask students to read the descriptions of and sign waivers for certain activities that we organize. All activities are completely optional. In addition, we use only licensed and bonded companies for transporting students during orientation and excursions. We have extensive support systems in Ireland to help you with any personal or academic problems. Our Ireland office staff can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. We will give you a laminated emergency card with contact information during your orientation. Keep it with you at all times.

Being an American Abroad While studying in Ireland, you may encounter negative attitudes toward Americans and U.S. government, history or culture. Most anti-American opinions are just that: individual opinions about U.S. politics or culture. They may be based on history, current events, stereotypes, media or experiences with other Americans. Do not react defensively and try not to take these opinions personally. Before going abroad, brush up on U.S. history and politics, as well as the reasoning behind U.S. foreign policy. This kind of knowledge will help you participate in conversations or debates without feeling helpless. You can expect to be asked your opinion on a regular basis. Study abroad is full of academic and cultural challenges, including the reality that a wide range of opinions about the United States exists. Remember that our staff in Ireland are happy to lend a sympathetic ear and offer further advice for dealing with these situations.

Emergencies Abroad Please take reasonable safety precautions while abroad. Avoid risky behavior and pay attention to local laws and warning signs. Carry a next-of-kin contact card in your wallet along with the emergency contact card we give you during orientation. Our Ireland office emergency number is for use after business hours and on weekends. Our staff are happy to help in a true emergency, but please don’t contact staff after hours with a concern that can be handled during the regular business day.

Specific Emergencies The Republic of Ireland’s emergency number is 112 or 999. To contact police, fire or an ambulance in the Republic of Ireland, call 112 or 999 on any phone. The Northern Ireland emergency number is 999. To contact police, fire or an ambulance in Northern Ireland, call 999 on any phone. In case of severe weather or natural disasters Follow local emergency directions. In addition, be sure to contact IFSA-Butler via email or phone according to the information provided on your IFSAButler laminated emergency contact card so that we know you’re safe. If you are hospitalized abroad Contact our Ireland office immediately. We can help you with insurance questions and make sure you are looked after once you have been discharged. If you are the victim of a crime Get to a safe location, contact local authorities and contact the IFSA-Butler Ireland office immediately. Our staff can assist you in filing a police report, obtaining medical assistance and finding support services. If you have been arrested abroad Call our Ireland office emergency number. We can’t provide you with legal help, but we can contact family members for you. Always contact your parents by phone or email as soon as you are able to let them know you are fine!

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Culture Shock Study abroad is not a vacation but a true experience in acculturation. While abroad you are expected to blend in with and live like others in Ireland. Even if you’ve already visited Ireland on vacation, living there is different. You may become frustrated by all the differences in culture, daily life and lack of conveniences, such as operating a phone, finding late shopping hours and getting around on the train or bus. So much of what you see, hear and experience in Ireland seems much like home. Language is not a problem, the student cultures are similar, and U.S. brand names, TV shows and even sports logos are everywhere. But Ireland has an unmistakably different culture. When those differences become apparent, they can hit with considerable impact. The culture shock curve has three basic phases and a more complicated phase as you return to the United States: Phase I: The Honeymoon You may experience an initial euphoria about being in a new place. During this period, you cannot envision anything better than being in Ireland. The honeymoon can last for as little as a week or for as long as six weeks. Phase II: End of the Honeymoon The end of the honeymoon is characterized by an acute dislike for anything having to do with the location, people, new words or customs of Ireland. You may feel a general sense of distress and frustration. Luckily, this period of disillusionment usually passes quickly. If you seem to experience culture shock or loneliness for an extended time, ask for help. Our Ireland staff have years of experience assisting students, and they will gladly take the time to speak with you about the challenges you are facing. We are as interested as you are in making sure that your period of study abroad is a success, both personally and academically. Phase III: Adjustment After the period of disillusionment comes adjustment. Some students adjust by “going native” (adopting wholeheartedly the new culture) and end up with a new haircut, a new accent and/or a new style

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of dress! For most students, this adaptation gradually becomes more natural as they become more settled and are able to see both the positive and negative aspects of their host culture. Phase IV: Reverse Culture Shock Returning home may expose you to these same feelings all over again. Your time abroad will probably make you more self-sufficient and independent, but the friends you left behind will not have grown quite so dramatically and might not want to hear about your experiences. You’ll undoubtedly be happy to be home and to see family and friends, but you’ll also be missing the friends and the lifestyle of your time abroad. If you find that you’re having difficulty readjusting to the United States, the study abroad advisor on your home campus can help. Consider volunteering as a peer advisor on your home campus, or apply to be an IFSA-Butler Ambassador. Both are great resume builders and a way to share your positive experiences with others.

Summary We hope this booklet has addressed most of your questions and that it continues to be a resource for you and your family throughout the study abroad experience. Please consult page 60 for contact information for our offices. We’re always happy to answer questions!

IFSA-BUTLER POLICIES

Please note the following important policies for students in our Ireland programs. Page numbers containing additional information are also noted.

Orientation – p. 10 The IFSA-Butler orientation in Ireland is mandatory. We reserve the right to remove a student from the program for missing any part of orientation. Program Duration – p. 12 Your IFSA-Butler program services abroad are in effect between the program start date and program end date on the program calendar. Course Registration – p. 16 As an IFSA-Butler participant, you are required to undertake a full course load at your host university and to follow its regulations for degree-seeking students, including taking exams where applicable. Types of Courses Permitted – p. 17 IFSA-Butler does not allow students to take graduate courses, courses for audit, online courses or courses for pass/fail instead of a grade, unless that is the only way the course is assessed. Special Exam Arrangements – p. 19 You may not reschedule an exam, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If you do, IFSA-Butler will not conduct an academic appeal or follow-up on the class in which you arranged an alternate exam or assessment. Transcript Alterations – p. 19 The final Butler University transcript is a legal document. Butler University cannot alter any grade, course title or credit allocation. Withdrawing from the Program – p. 21 IFSA-Butler may allow a student to leave the program early only in cases of severe medical or personal problems, and only for circumstances approved by your host university. Otherwise, IFSA-Butler does not report grades as incomplete. An incomplete or “absent” grade will be reported on your Butler University transcript as a fail.

Tuition and Housing Supplemental Fees – p. 23-24 Many universities in Ireland impose supplemental fees for enrollment in some departments or for certain housing options. IFSA-Butler will pass along tuition and housing supplemental fees to the student’s billing address after the student has arrived abroad—in some cases, the bill may arrive toward the end of the student’s time abroad or even after the student has returned home. Supplemental costs for each program’s tuition and housing are clearly outlined on our website, www.ifsa-butler.org. It is the student’s responsibility to investigate potential supplemental costs before going abroad, and for discussing these costs with parents, financial aid officers and home university study abroad advisors. Host University Withdraw Fees – p. 24 Some universities in Ireland have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date. These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in predeparture emails from our program advisors.

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Payment Due Dates and Financial Deadlines – p. 25 Please note the important payment due dates for Ireland on page 25. IFSA-Butler charges a $45 fee for late payments.

a copy of your contractual/consortium agreement (from your financial aid officer) and a copy of your financial aid award letter and/or loan guarantees. These documents should indicate the amount of financial aid award and its disbursal date.

Delinquent Payments – p. 25 If we do not receive financial aid documentation or your full payment by the payment deadline listed above, you will be withdrawn from our program. You will not be refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket.

Student Acceptance Agreement All students receive an IFSA-Butler student acceptance agreement in their acceptance packet. Program participants must sign the student acceptance agreement before departure.

Financial Aid Payments – p. 26 If you plan to apply financial aid toward the payment of the IFSA-Butler program fee, you must send us

Academic and Housing Contracts – p. 17, p. 46 Once abroad, all students must read and sign IFSAButler’s academic and housing contracts.

Do everything you possibly can; spend plenty of time exploring Ireland as well as traveling throughout Europe and the east. Go to as many pubs as you can, and spend lots of time walking around, getting lost and observing the people. Approach people as well, get started in random conversations with Irish people. –Lexi Pace, Wake Forest University Trinity College Dublin

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I N F O R M AT I O N

Information Resources Travel Resources Visit reliable travel websites or buy a good guidebook. We highly recommend both the Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide. Be sure to consult books and websites that are geared to the budget traveler. We also recommend Culture Shock! Ireland and Culture Shock! Britain. They are entertaining guides to customs and etiquette. See the following websites before departure: • IFSA-Butler: www.ifsa-butler.org • IFSA-Butler Ireland Office: ireland.ifsa-butler.org • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Page: www.cdc.gov/travel. Check out the current health recommendations for Ireland and any other countries you are considering visiting. • U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/step • U.S. State Department Ireland Information: travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/united-kingdom.html http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/ country/ireland.html • The Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com • Irish Embassy in the United States: www.dfa.ie • U.K. Embassy in the United States: www.britainusa.com • Irish Tourist Board: www.discoverireland.ie

Films • The Actors • Angela’s Ashes • Bloody Sunday • The Boxer • The Butcher Boy • Calvary • Circle of Friends • The Commitments • The Crying Game • Dancing at Lughnasa • The Devil’s Own • Evelyn • The Field • The General • The Guard, • In America • In Bruges • In the Name of the Father

• The Magdalene Sisters • The Matchmaker • Michael Collins • My Left Foot • Nora • Philomena • The Play Boys • The Secret of Roan Inish • Some Mother’s Son • The Snapper • This is the Sea • Veronica Guerin • Waking Ned Devine • The Wind that Shakes the Barley

Television • Bosco • The Fall • Fr. Ted • Love/Hate • Quirke • Ros na Rún • Mrs. Brown’s Boys

News The following sites are great places to start the search for Irish news: The Belfast Telegraph: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk The Independent: www.independent.ie The Irish Examiner: www.irishexaminer.com The Irish Times: www.irishtimes.ie Books • Northern Ireland: The Province of Ulster by Catherine Day • The Truth About the Irish by Terry Eagleton • Mother Ireland by Edna O’Brien • A Concise History of Ireland by Máire and Conor Cruise O’Brien • The Oxford History of Ireland edited by R.F. Foster

M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

Language Only 8 percent of the population of Ireland speaks Irish or Gaelic (it is more prevalent in the Republic)—but you will find some words used commonly wherever you live or travel in the Republic and in the North. Éire (air-eh) Garda (gar-da) Gardaí (gar-dee) banc (bonc) nuacht (new-oct) siopaí (shop-ee) slainte (slawn-te) Conas ata tú? (cunn-us-at-aw too) Ce’n chaoi a bhfuil tu? (cane kwee a-will too) thar cion (har keyon) beo eigin (byo ae-gan) go raibh maith agat (go rev mah-agut) slán (slawn) oiche mhaith (ee-huh wah) craic

Ireland policeman police bank news shops “cheers” or “to your health” How are you? (the east) How are you? (the west) great not well thank you bye good night fun

You might hear these English terms: biscuits bonnet/boot chemist consultant current account dual carriageway first floor flat fortnight greengrocer ground floor hire jelly jumper lemonade lift mac pissed queue ring shandy stout 58

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cookies hood/trunk of a car drugstore medical specialist checking account two-lane highway second floor apartment two weeks seller of vegetables first floor rent Jello sweater drink similar to Sprite or 7Up elevator raincoat drunk line phone lemonade and beer mix a type of beer

Expressions commonly used in the North: ach aye bake; gub bap bog boke bun, wee bun cheerio cheers dead on dear faffin’, faffin’ about giv’as (give us) lolly, ice lolly mingin’; manky naff poke slabber snog soda sound steady, steady on sweets The State thingy talent wee your man/woman Is that you? Are you away? What about ya? Catch yourself on! wet the tea away in the head Away on! I tell a lie. Are you gettin’? does my head in

oh, ahh yes mouth sandwich bun or roll bathroom vomit sweet roll, danish goodbye thanks great, perfect expensive messing around give me popsicle messy, horrible stupid, useless ice cream liar kiss bread (not the drink) good, dependable (person) behave, watch it candies Republic of Ireland “what’s-his/her-name” attractive people small that man/woman Are you finished? Are you going out? What’s up? How are you? Wise up! make some tea lost his senses; stupid You’re kidding! Used when you realize you’ve just said something wrong Have you been helped/served? drives me up the wall

It’s also common in the North to put the word “our” before the name of persons you’re familiar with. For example, a relative or close friend named Ann would be called “Our Ann.”

Irish Food and Drink Don’t miss these traditional (and not-so-traditional!) foods during your semester, summer or year in Ireland: Black pudding Black pudding is sausage made from cooked pig’s blood, pork fat, pork rind, pork shoulder, pork liver, oats, onion and seasonings. Black pudding is often served at breakfast. Cabbage Cabbage is a popular vegetable in Ireland. It is used as a side dish, combined with corned beef or pork as a popular main course, or as an ingredient in soups. Champ Champ is similar to American mashed potatoes but uses spring onions or occasionally other ingredients. Cheese Varieties of cheese are very popular throughout Ireland and are served at any meal. Corned beef Corned beef is salt-cured beef and is used in sandwiches or as a hash. Fish and chips Available everywhere! Cod and haddock are the most popular fish available. Guinness Guinness beer is the pride of Ireland. Though the company makes several varieties, the classic dark stout remains the most popular. Guinness is also used as an ingredient in numerous Irish recipes. Irish Breakfast An Irish Breakfast is a large, traditional breakfast that includes fried eggs, sausages or bacon, potatoes in many varieties, fried tomatoes, black pudding, toast, mushrooms, baked beans and brown soda bread. Liver was once a staple of the Irish Breakfast but has fallen out of favor in recent years. Lamb Lamb is more common in Ireland than in the U.S. It is served in a variety of ways, from traditional chops to minced versions in meat pies, to diced portions in ethnic dishes. Oats Oats are a staple of Irish food and are used to make everything from porridge and oatcakes to puddings and batters for fish. Pasties A round pie containing minced pork, onion, potato and seasoning. Potatoes Potatoes are the basis for many Irish foods. Potatoes are used as a side dish and in soups, stews, meat and vegetable pies and as fries (“chips”). Sometimes a single meal will include more than one form of potato! Sausage Sausages made of pork, beef, or a mixture of the two are a staple of Irish breakfasts. Shepherd’s pie Sometimes known as cottage pie, this is filled with meat and has a mashed potato crust. Seafood Ireland’s easy access to the surrounding seas means that fish is plentiful and fresh. Halibut, cod, trout, herring, salmon and haddock are all popular in Ireland. Stews Irish stews blend meat such as lamb, beef or pork with potatoes and other vegetables. Ulster Fry The term used for a traditional breakfast in Northern Ireland. This hearty breakfast may include fried eggs, sausages, bacon, fried tomatoes, black pudding, toast and even beans or fried mushrooms. Irish tea and sometimes orange juice are also part of the Ulster Fry. An Ulster Fry is a popular meal at any time of the day in Northern Ireland. M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

About Us Institute for Study Abroad The Institute for Study Abroad is a nonprofit organization founded at Butler University to provide high-quality study abroad opportunities, plus academic and personal support services, for qualified U.S. undergraduates seeking to earn academic credit through study abroad. While the Institute for Study Abroad is affiliated with Butler University, it is not a department of the University. IFSA-Butler is organized to assist our students from the time they apply until after they return. Staff at the IFSA-Butler U.S. office and around the world are committed to our students. We help them develop realistic expectations and adjust easily to the very different student lifestyles and academic expectations of their host institutions. For a list of programs available in Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, India, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, New Zealan, Peru, Scotland, Spain and Wales please visit our website at www.ifsa-butler.org.

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IFSA-Butler Directory Ireland Office Maria Keane, Resident Director Suzi Breslin, Student Services Advisor Jack Leahy, Student Services Advisor Darragh Power, Program Assistant Emma Gottbrath, Program Assistant Telephone from within Ireland: 00-353-1639 -4608 Ireland Office (from U.S.): 011-353-1639-4608 Ireland Office Fax Number (from U.S.): 011-353-1639-3995 Email: ireland@ifsa-butler.org Website: ireland.ifsa-butler.org Address: 46 Merrion Square Dublin 2 Ireland U.S. Office Local: 317-940-9336 Toll free: 800-858-0229 Fax: 317-940-9704 Email: studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org Website: www.ifsa-butler.org Address IFSA-Butler 6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 Other Numbers Perry International: perry@perryvisa.com, 312-372-2703

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