Study Abroad Ireland

June 2-July 1, 2024

Scholarships & Funding

Program Brochure

Contact the Program Director

Dr. Barry Vaughan

Philosophy & Religious Studies Department
P: 480-461-7620
Office: BP 43A - 44
barry.vaughan@mesacc.edu

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Kylemore Abbey

Program Location

The program is held on the campus of Athlone Institute of Technology located in the medieval city of Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland. Situated in the heart of Ireland astride the River Shannon, the city is rich in culture and history.

Spend summer school in Ireland and see for yourself why the country is nicknamed the Emerald Island! Students will spend a full month immersing themselves in the study of Irish culture and history while exploring and experiencing the rich and diverse heritage of Ireland!

Using picturesque Athlone, Co. Westmeath as a home base, participants will make field trips to locations such as Dunamase and Emo Court, the megalithic monuments at Loughcrew and Trim Castle, spend several days in Ireland's Cultural Heart, Galway, and take a boat to Clonmacnoise.

    Cultural Excursions

    Summer Courses You Will Take During Program

    • 6 credit program
    • REL250 Religion in Ireland: Neolithic to Early Medieval (3 cr) [HU, H]
    • STO290 The Irish Storytelling Tradition (3 cr) [G]
      • Instructor: TBA
    • Mandatory study abroad orientation on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9 am - 2 pm at MCC.

    Ireland Program Details

    • Study Abroad Ireland is held on the campus of Technological University of the Shannon located in picturesque Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.
    • Participants will be housed in the Croi Oige Student Village apartments conveniently located across from AIT's campus. Each 4-bedroom apartment is fully furnished and comes equipped with TV, iron and ironing boards, oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, electric kettle, all kitchen utensils, and bedding. Each bedroom comes with a study/computer desk and is internet ready with high speed internet access.
    • Modern Athlone is a center of industry and education and home to one of Ireland's major institutes of technology. Because of its central location (between Dublin and Galway) it is a transportation hub by road and rail, and makes access to the rest of Ireland convenient.

    Did You Know??

    • Ireland is home to Newgrange, an ancient stone-and-earth burial site that is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids.
    • At least one million people died in five years in Ireland during the great potato famine of the 1840s.
    • Ireland did not legalize divorce until 1997.
    • Ireland is nicknamed the Emerald Island because of its expansive lush, green fields.
    • Currency used is the euro (sign: €; code: EUR).
    • Read more detailed cultural information on Ireland provided by CultureGrams™
      Ireland (2023). CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest.
    • Diversity Abroad Ireland Destination Guide

    Estimated Program Costs & Deadlines

    Expense Type Estimated Cost Deadline

    Program Fee
    Includes lodging, academic facilities, cultural excursions, in-country ground transportation, and secondary medical insurance.

    How to Pay

    		 $1,762

    Program Fee Due: March 22, 2024

    $250 Confirmation Deposit Due (towards total program fee): upon acceptance

    Confirmation deposit is non-refundable after the program fee payment deadline.

    Registration Fee

    Tuition: 6 credits
    In-state: $97 per credit hour
    Out-of-state: $217 per credit hour

    How to Pay

    $ 15

    $ 582
    Airfare (estimated cost) $1,550

    Your program director will provide you with instructions on purchasing airfare for your program. Only after you have received these instructions should you purchase airfare.

    Meals

    Meals are NOT included in program fee

    		 $1,200 Not needed until you land in Ireland!

    Transportation

    CityLink rail from Dublin airport to Athlone and back

    		 $ 38 Not needed until you land in Ireland!
    TOTAL Estimated Costs $5,155 (program fee, tuition, airfare and meals)
     
    ADDITIONAL COSTS    
    Insurance for Participants 60+ Years of Age $3.56 per day The program fee includes secondary insurance for participants ages 18-59. There is an additional insurance charge of $3.56 per day for students 60 years and over.
    Textbooks Approx. $50  
    Passport

    Passport Info Here

    Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your return to the USA.    		 $165/130
    (new/renewal)
    • Be sure to allow at least 14-18 weeks of processing time for first time applicants and renewals.
    • Visit the U.S. Department of State websitefor current fees and processing times.

    Passport to Success Grant

    Maricopa Community Colleges was selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project Grant that will enable up to 25 eligible students from one of our 10 community colleges the funding and application assistance needed to receive a U.S. passport. Award recipients will be chosen by a competitive selection process, in line with our funding source’s requirements and our goals to increase underrepresented student study abroad participation.

    		  

    Student Eligibility

    • U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or U.S. national (e.g., native of American Samoa or Swain’s Island)
    • First-year student enrolled at one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges (students may apply for the passport funding regardless of their year in school; however, priority will be given to those in their first year)
    • Pell grant eligible
    • Meets diverse identity criteria, which may include any of the following: racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ students, gender diverse students, first-generation student (first in family to attend or graduate from a college or university), students with disabilities, students with demonstrated financial need, veterans, non-traditional age students, students who are parents, students who have never traveled abroad, rural students, student athletes, and students with majors academically more challenging to study abroad
    • Applying for a first adult U.S. passport (using DS-11 form), not renewing a previous passport—there may be some exceptions to this condition for U.S. military veterans or the children of U.S. military veterans

    Award Amount

    The award amount is $165. The $165 will cover the costs for the application fee for a U.S. passport book ($130) and the execution/acceptance fee ($35).

    This award will not cover other fees, which may include passport photos, expedited delivery fees, or travel expenses to submit application materials at the nearest passport application processing center. If you have difficulty with transportation, email iie@domail.maricopa.edu and we will try to assist students.

    Application and Deadline

    Students must submit an application no later than November 20, 2023.

    Students will be nominated/awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are no longer available or until December 15, 2023. If you have never had a U.S. passport before, we greatly encourage you to apply!

    Program Application Deadline

    Space is limited.  Apply early to reserve your place!

    If program reaches full capacity, you will be put on a waitlist.

    		  
    • Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
    • Now accepting 2024 applications!
    • Complete online application.
    • Late applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
    • Applications are reviewed/approved on a rolling basis.

    Scholarships and Funding Your Program

    Title Date(s) More Information

    International Education
    Scholarship

    IE Study Abroad Scholarship

    • Does NOT require FAFSA but helps!
    • Award Range: $250-$900
    • If you are receiving financial aid from another MCCCD college, please share your FAFSA with MCC (school code 001077) two weeks prior to scholarship deadline.
    • Students applying for the International Education Scholarship will also be considered for the Maricopa Grant, if applicable.

    Maricopa Grant

    • England/Scotland and Puerto Peñasco programs excluded

    Deadline: Saturday, February 11, 2023

    Spring 2024 deadline TBA

    Get information on financial aid & grants, scholarships, and misc. resources for study abroad here.

    PRIOR to applying for a scholarship, student must:

    • Be accepted into your study abroad program. Apply early!
    • Pay the program deposit of $250 online, at Cashier Services, or by calling 480.461.7400.
    • IE Study Abroad Scholarship awards will be announced via email in late February.
    • Maricopa Grants announced in mid-April-May when Summer financial aid begins awarding.

    STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

    Scholarship Portal

    Keyword Search: Study Abroad Program at Mesa Community College
    CashCourse
    This free online resource is a great place to go for money management info, tips, calculators, articles, worksheets, and quizzes that can assist you in achieving financial success now and in the future.    		 Take advantage of this great resource for Mesa Community College students to help budget for your study abroad program!

    How To Register For Your Free CashCourse Account

    1. Go to https://www.cashcourse.org/

    2. Click on "Register for a Free Account" under the Students circle.

    3. Fill in all of the required information fields and click Register.

    Be sure to check out the Financial Tools. The Budget Wizard is an easy-to-use tool to start tracking where your money is going.
    Title Date(s) More Information

    Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship

    Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

    Students apply through the college they are receiving financial aid from.

    Gilman Scholarship Highlights

    Maximum Award: $5,000

    October Application Deadline
    1st Thursday of October (awards announced by December)

    March Application Deadline
    1st Thursday of March (awards announced by May)

    March 7, 2024
    11:59 PM PST

    GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP

    Come learn how to write essays for the Gilman International Scholarship!

    Tuesday, February 6, 2024

    1:30-2:30 pm

    meet.google.com/uqr-ncxb-nsm
    • Must be a Pell Grant recipient.  Students apply indicating the school they are receiving their Pell Grant funding from. If you are not a receiving Pell Grant funding through MCC, you must apply for the Gilman through the school that you are receiving financial aid from.
    • Applications are reviewed holistically, with consideration of the following selection criteria. View Gilman Presentation here!
    • Review Gilman Essays Writing Tips.
    • Review Gilman Brainstorming Worksheet to help articulate ideas to frame your essays.
    • Review writing resources for ideas on crafting your Statement of Purpose:
    • Bring your draft to the Writing Center and get feedback on how to polish your "diamond in the rough"!
    • For application instructions, review this walkthrough video.
    • Watch videos of Gilman scholars abroad, alumni interviews, and tips from advisors and application reviewers on YouTube.
    • Note for Gilman application: For Program Administrator, select Mesa Community College

    Gilman-McCain Scholarship

    Gilman-McCain OverView

    Maximum Award: $5,000

    October Application Deadline
    1st Thursday of October (awards announced by December)
    11:59 PM PST

    January Application Deadline

    Thursday, January 4, 2024
    11:59 pm PST

    Application cycle NOW OPEN!

     
    • Must be a child dependent of an active/activated US military personnel during time of application.
    • Must be a Title IV federal financial aid recipient.  Title IV funds include:
      • Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
      • Direct PLUS Loans
      • Federal Pell Grants
      • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOGs)
      • Federal Perkins Loans
    • Use the same Gilman application system as other Gilman Scholarship applicants.  Applicants will simply confirm that they are child dependent of an active duty military member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps).
    • If a student is receiving a Federal Pell Grant and is also a child dependent of an active duty military member, then the student is eligible for both Gilman scholarships and will automatically be considered for both but eligible to receive only one. If they are selected for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, then they will no longer be considered for the Gilman Scholarship.
    Title Date(s) More Information

    A New Leaf Assets to Opportunity (ATO)

    A match savings program designed to help individuals save their own money in a special savings account and have their money matched for tuition, textbooks, and some study abroad program expenses with an 8:1 match.

    Deadline:
    Contact A New Leaf

    ATO@turnanewleaf.org

    Eligibility:

    • Must have earned income
    • Be a resident of Arizona
    • Income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty line
    • Commit to saving $500 and saving for at least 3 months
    • Commit to making $30 deposits twice per month
    • Complete a financial wellness workshop and any other program requirements
    • Contact: ATO@turnanewleaf.org
    Title Date(s) More Information

    Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship

    Application Opens:

    Typically mid-November

    Deadline:

    Typically mid-January

    Minimum Award: $1,250
    • Study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries.
    • Only MCC's England/Scotland France & Ireland programs qualify.
    • Preferences: FEA gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need, and strongly encourages students to apply who represent a group that is traditionally underrepresented in education abroad. These groups include, but are not limited to:
      • First-generation college students
      • Minority students
      • Community college students
    Title Date(s) More Information
    MCC Honors Program
    Study Abroad Scholarship

    Deadline:  2024 TBA

    Maximum Award: $250-$500

    If you are a current MCC Honors Program student in good standing, you can apply for up to a $500 study abroad scholarship!

    For more information, call 480.461.7143.

    Honors Program Study Abroad Scholarship Application
    Title Date(s) More Information
    Lois Kellogg-Duncan Memorial Study Abroad Scholarship

    Deadline: March 2, 2024

    Application Opens: January 1

    Award(s) Announced: Mid to late March

    Maximum Award: $500

    CRITERIA

    • Student enrolled at Mesa Community College.
    • Minimum 2.5 Cumulative GPA
    • Enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours in either Philosophy or Religious Studies.
    • May be used for a Philosophy or Religious Studies course in the Study Abroad Ireland program (REL250).
    • Must be able to demonstrate financial need by completing the 2023–2024 Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) form.
    • Application Portal
      • Search Keyword: Lois Kellogg-Duncan Memorial Scholarship at Mesa Community College

    Information Sessions & Mandatory Orientation

    Title Date(s) and Time More Information

    Virtual

    General Information Sessions

    Playback of webinar on Nov. 18, 2022 during International Education Week

    https://maricopa.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/maricopa/recording/ee8...

    Recording Password: 5mE6StzU

    For any questions, please contact studyabroad@mesacc.edu or the individual faculty program directors listed at: https://www.mesacc.edu/study-abroad/contact-us

    Financial Aid Contact Information

    Financial Aid FAQS

    At Southern & Dobson, contact Adela Bob at 480.461.7436 or at adela.bob@mesacc.edu.

    At Red Mountain, contact Tori Stanton in Financial Aid at 480.654.7760 or at tori.stanton@mesacc.edu.

    Mandatory Orientation

    Sat., April 13, 2024

    9 am - 2 pm

    Room LB145 in the Elsner Library at the Southern & Dobson campus.

    You must attend the mandatory study abroad orientation!
    There may be additional required meetings for your specific program. Contact the Program Director for details.