Office of International Programs
Ireland: Maynooth University
"I really enjoyed my experience in Ireland... I grew so much as a person... Not only did I gain experience that will help me in the job field, I gained experience that will help my everyday life now." - Rollins Alum
Experience Ireland!
Maynooth University is located just outside Dublin and is one of Ireland's fastest growing Universities!
Did YOU Know?....
Rollins offers need-based scholarships as part of the RIPA application process. Talk to us!
Overview
Students on this program will be fully integrated at Maynooth University, living in residence halls on campus or in nearby homestays, taking courses with Irish and other international students, and participating in nearly 150 student clubs and societies - providing unique opportunities to become immersed in the social, cultural and sporting fabric of Maynooth University. Because this is a direct-enroll program, it's an excellent fit for most Rollins majors and/or minors, including many science majors, Global Health minor, Pre-Med and Pre-Law, English, Spanish, Music, CMCS, Environmental Studies, Philosophy, Computer Science/ Math, all business disciplines, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, etc.- Exceptional Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.
How to Apply
Fall 2023
- Sept 17: Move-In Date
- Sept 18-22: Maynooth Orientation
- Sept 25: First Day of Classes
- Oct 30- Nov 3: Study Week
- Dec 22: Last Day of Classes
- Dec 22-Free to depart
Spring 2023
- Jan 23: First Day to Move In
- Jan 24 – 27: Orientation
- Jan 30: First Day of Classes
- Mar 13 – 17: Study Week (no classes)
- Apr 10 – 14: Easter Break
- May 5: Last Day of Classes
- May 16 –28: Exam Period
- June 4: Program End Date
*All dates are subject to change, with as much advance notice as possible given.
Flight
You will be responsible for making your own flight arrangements and travel arrangements from the Dublin airport to your program housing. A taxi will be your best option, though you can also take public transportation.
Orientation
Orientation week takes place the week before lectures commence in September or last week of January. It is a weeklong event that welcomes all students to the University and includes welcome talks, campus tours and introductions to the academic departments, student services and clubs and societies. It is compulsory that all students attend orientation as they will gain vital information about the University and be introduced to a new situation and environment.
Visa
U.S. citizens are NOT required to have a visa to enter nor study. However, U.S. citizens do need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 7 days of Arrival in Ireland and staff at Maynooth will assist with this process. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is the fastest growing university in Ireland, with over 8,400 students from over 50 countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia. Rollins students will have access to a wide variety of courses in a broad range of fields from 26 academic departments. All courses are taught by the Maynooth faculty members. In Maynooth students enjoy the safety, charm, and peace of the local area, with easy and frequent access to Dublin city centre. Maynooth’s location, in County Kildare, is adjacent to the Irish ‘silicon valley’, home to the European headquarters of many multi-national companies, such as Intel, HP, Facebook, Microsoft and Google. Today Maynooth is a charming and busy town with many shops, cafes and public transport options and general services, and home to a vibrant local community that offers students abundant opportunities to enjoy a very enjoyable social life.
Courses
Most courses are lecture-based and students are assessed on a limited number of assignments. During one semester, students may choose courses from any undergraduate department and may concentrate on one academic field or take courses from different departments. As is the case at Rollins, some courses may be unavailable due to schedule conflicts, over-enrollment or prerequisites, but in general, visiting students may select from a wide range of excellent courses including courses in business, science, social science, humanities and fine arts.
For a full list of academic fields and courses available please click here. Students participating in this program on average take the equivalent of 16 credits during the semester at Maynooth. Two-hundred and three-hundred level courses at Maynooth are equivalent to upper-level courses at Rollins. The Academic Advisory office offers a convenient first point of contact for students who wish to seek advice or assistance with their general experience of University life and is located on the first floor of the Education House.
A Warning about the Irish Educational System
The academic system in Ireland is quite different than the U.S. system. There are generally fewer class, or contact, hours per week than in the U.S., and there is less continuous assessment of students’ academic performance. Study in Ireland requires a great degree of self-discipline in order to do self-directed study. Semester grades are typically based on only one or two major assignments such as a paper and final exam.Transfer of credit
All courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credits and the grades are factored into the Rollins GPA. Students who successfully complete this program through Rollins will receive an official transcript from Maynooth University. It can take up to 3 months to receive the official transcript.
Housing
All students participating in the program will either live in residence hall apartments on-campus or homestays, a short distance from campus. NUIM has several on-campus residence halls within a five minute walk of lecture theatres, the library, sports and recreational facilities. Students in the residence hall and apartments live with other international students and most rooms are singles with shared bathroom, living and kitchen areas for 4-7 students.
Meals
There is no meal plan on this program. Residence halls include shared kitchens and students are responsible for preparing and/or purchasing their own meals. Homestays offer half board and weekend meals. The campus has many cafes and convenience stores, and an on-campus cafeteria that serves breakfast and lunch. Also, there are nearby supermarkets and restaurants.
Homestays
Students who choose to live with a host family will live in between Maynooth and Dublin. The host will provide accommodation and half-board meals during the week and three meals at the weekend. The student will be provided with their own house key and the host is there to offer advice, as well as to take an interest in the students well-being.
The Student Union, located on the North campus, is a great place for meeting up with other students, and serves food during the day. There are thirty-six active Sports Clubs and different societies on campus such as political parties, art, craft and design, comedy, music, drama, games and history. On-campus facilities include an indoor sports hall and gymnasium, which offers indoor sporting activities, weekly aerobics and circuit training sessions, and a swimming pool and playing fields.
The International Office also holds a number of events for international students throughout the year, for example a Chinese New Year Celebration and Thanksgiving Dinner. Other events include movie nights, student nights out, parties, and day and weekend trips. Throughout the year the International Society also organizes a number of weekend trips to places such as Galway and Belfast which are reasonably priced and a great way to meet new people. The Student Buddy Network, run by the International Office allows students to be paired up with a Maynooth University student to provide guidance and advice. We have a Facebook group for Buddies which all interested students can join in order to contact each other, share photos and information and organize events.
Things to Consider
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.
Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
- Tuition: $29,150
- Housing: $4,925
Also Includes
Orientation, on-site transportation, group activities, one weekend excursion, program administration, and emergency insurance.
Estimated Additional Costs
- Meals/food: $1,400
- Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,100, onsite $330
- Airport transfers in Dublin: $150
- Refundable room deposit: $700
- US Passport $165
- Visa fee: $300
- Books, course materials, supplies: $300
- Personal expenses: $1,200
- Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
- Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0
Need-Based Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
Living and Working
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Ireland has a high cost of living compared to the United States. Students attending Maynooth University for one semester are not eligible to work part-time--only students who are attending Maynooth University for one full year may work part-time on a student visa.