Aren’t sure where to study abroad? Ireland is an amazing study abroad location that has something for everyone. Have to take a specific type of class? Want to spend a lot of time outdoors? Want to go to an English-speaking country? Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fan, a history buff, or a literature lover (or all of the above), studying abroad in Ireland will offer you the adventure of a lifetime.
Here are 10 reasons to study abroad in Ireland:
1. Endless Outdoor Adventure
Did you know that Ireland is a hotspot for water sports, cycling, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, caving, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and paintballing? With rugged landscapes and unspoiled terrain, Ireland is bursting with opportunities for adventure in the great outdoors.
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| County Claire, isn't it beautiful? |
2. Breathtaking Views, Everywhere you Turn
The Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Kerry, Glendalough, and the Aran Islands are only a few of the stunning sites in Ireland. It’s absolutely certain that you will never run out of striking things to see on the Emerald Isle.
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| Galway Bay and Old Long Walk |
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| The Emerald Isle never fails to impress. |
3. Irish History is Fascinating
Did you know that an old Viking settlement lies beneath the Dublin castle? Have you ever wondered what was behind “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland? Irish history is captivating from start to finish, and once you experience it first-hand, you’ll leave the country with a new view of the world.
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| Galway Chrurch |
4. Irish people. ‘Nuf said.
The Irish are famous for being some of the most hospitable people on the planet. Welcoming, kind, and generally endowed with a lively sense of humor, the Irish people in and of themselves are excellent motivation to study abroad in Ireland.
5. Do an Internship Without a Language Barrier
Doing an international internship is proven to boost your resume and make you more marketable after graduation. CEA offers the option to do an internship in Ireland, which lets you get international work experience without having to worry about a foreign language.
6. There’s Always Something Going On
Whether you want to go to a Gaelic football game, a music festival, hear live Irish music at a local pub, or just walk through the city, there is always something to do or see in Ireland.
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| The famous, Temple Bar in Dublin |
7. Take Classes in Almost Any Subject
From business to humanities to engineering, studying abroad with CEA in Ireland gives you a chance to choose from a huge selection of courses that fulfill requirements for most degrees.
8. Castles. Everywhere.
There are over 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland. For anyone who is even a little bit interested in exploring these amazing structures, Ireland is the place for you. Also, you might run into the filming places of Game of Thrones, Saving Private Ryan, Star Wars and Harry Potter.
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| Dublin Castle |
9. You Can Go to School at Hogwarts
Many Irish universities are hundreds of years old, and the architecture goes to show it. The quad at National University of Ireland Galway, for example, will make you feel like you are living the life of Harry Potter.
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| National University of Ireland, Galway. Literally in a castle. |
10. The Craic is Always Mighty in Ireland
Craic (pronounced “crack”) is a Gaelic word for news, gossip, and fun. When speaking with locals, you’re sure to hear them say things like, “What’s the craic?” and “Have you had any craic lately?” You will quickly find out that the craic is always mighty in Ireland!
Kristyn O. is a Site Specialist at CEA Study Abroad. She studied abroad in Germany in 2008 and has a Master's Degree in Global Studies and International Relations from Northeastern University.