Ireland has one of the oldest bars in the world. Sean’s Bar in Althone, Ireland dates all the way back to the year 900AD.
“We went all over the country and then on the weekends we had off from school. We were able to explore on our own. It was nice to experience another country during those six weeks, the people are often very friendly,” Kevin Blake, international business major said.
Business and marketing majors have the opportunity as well as other students to travel to Derry, Ireland for summer. The six week study abroad program offers an Irish studies and international business course. Organized by the business department this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish culture while gaining extra credits.
Dr. Erin McLaughlin, businesses chair, said, “I loved my time studying in Ireland, and I wanted our students to experience the same thing. I received my MBA from the University of Ulster. I know the transformational effect it could have on students. From Cabrini’s perspective, this is a yearlong preparation process each year. Before I leave for the summer, I will start advertising for next summer. I meet with students that express interest. I work out their schedules, and a lot of the time, I am able to help them graduate a semester early or complete their last semester as a part-time student.”
Nicole Leicht, a senior, psychology major said, “I enjoyed it more than any experience I’ve had. I was able to become more independent and to be able to be more well-rounded culturally. I always wanted to go abroad and this was my opportunity.”
Leicht recommends this trip to all majors especially business and marketing major for the internship opportunities. They met the mayor and leaders from each county they visited. Not just the learning aspect but the sight-seeing as well. Castles, rolling hills, and the chance to learn the Gaelic language that’s spoken in Ireland.
The total cost of the program is $5,995. Full payment is due by May 1. It is open to all students who are in good academic standing, including a GPA of 2.5 or higher
“Students will participate in many excursions during their six weeks in Ireland. They will visit the Giant’s Causeway, the Titanic museum in Belfast, the Doag Famine village, the Derry Walls and the Bogside (site of Bloody Sunday) and many, many more sites. All of the excursions are included in the total price of the trip. They will be taking two courses. One of the courses is a 3-credit International Business class that I teach and the other is a 4.5 credit Irish Studies course. This course has a one week Irish language immersion class, where students stay with a family, learning a little Irish through sports, dance, music, and food. Additionally, the Irish Studies course spends a lot of time outside the classroom touring specific sites in Ireland,” said Dr. McLaughlin.
Blake said, “I plan on visiting Ireland again. Not only does it teach you a college course but also another country’s culture.”
