Education in Ireland

Course Overview

This Continuing Professional Development programme is designed to offer teachers the opportunity to study particular aspects of the Irish education system and, concurrently, to study the history, literature and culture of Ireland. It is suitable for elementary and secondary teachers, adult learning practitioners, STEM, minority language and special education teachers, those involved in school administration and graduate researchers.

Course Faculty includes members of the University; additionally guest educational practitioners contribute substantially to the course. 

Teaching is by means of lectures, seminars, meetings with Irish educators and visits to educational institutions, as well as guided cultural tours which facilitate contact with the music, language and people of Ireland. Students are provided with informal opportunities to view and study relevant resources from the University Library. Facilities and time for private study as well as touring and sightseeing at weekends are offered. Assessment for those requiring credits is carried out on a continuous basis.

Course Modules

SS123 The Education System of Ireland (6 Graduate Credits/12 ECTS Credits)

A review and analysis of the Irish educational system – its origins, development, structure and organisation – from early childhood to adult provision. Topics for special study may be selected for elementary, secondary or tertiary education; adult and continuing education; special education; vocational training. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with Irish educators during seminars and during visits to educational and social institutions in urban and rural settings.

Special arrangements for informal meetings between individual participants and their counterparts in Ireland will be facilitated during the course.  For participants whose primary interest is Special Education, arrangements will be made for meetings with Irish practitioners in this field.

The course includes:

• An overview of Irish History from the time of the famine, with particular emphasis on emigration and the factors leading up to the current political situation in Ireland
• A review of the literature and theatre of Ireland with emphasis on the distinctive achievements of 20th Century and contemporary writers
•  An introduction to the music and folklore of Ireland as well as the Irish (Gaelic) language
• Field trips are an important part of the Education in Ireland course. Students will visit Inishbofin Island, Omey Island, The Burren, Coole Park, Dysert O’Dea Castle and Kylemore Abbey. Field trips provide exposure to Irish history, archaeology and our natural habitat.  Cultural excursions to the theatre and Trad on the Prom also form part of the course.

Course Dates

• Arrival, check into accommodation:   Sunday, 30 June 2024
• Closing of summer school:    Friday, 19 July 2024
  
• Departure: Saturday, 20 July 2024

Tuition & Accommodation Costs

• Tuition Cost:   €2,320.00
• Accommodation Cost:    €1,080.00 for duration of 20 nights, single room in shared apartment - self-catering campus accommodation

Apply

While there are no specific entry requirements, the programme is particularly suitable for practicing teachers, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers focusing on:

•  Global perspectives in education
•  International education and curriculum
•  Comparative and international education
•  Intercultural education
•  International training and education
•  International perspectives in education policy, planning and practice
•  Teacher research (Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School)

 Required Application documentation

• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• A digital image/passport photo for your student identity card (headshot)
• Resumé/Curriculum Vitae 
• Transcript of Results

Apply Online

Scholarships

Applicants may apply for an Education in Ireland Scholarship worth €1,160. Two scholarships are available for this programme. The scholarship will cover 50% of the tuition fees. The balance and accommodation costs must be covered by the applicant.

In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Practicing, qualified teaching practitioner at elementary, middle school or high school level
• Practicing third level educational practitioner
• Practicing adult learning practitioner
• Graduate researcher

How to apply for the Scholarship

Applications for the Education in Ireland Scholarships are required to submit the following documentation for the scholarship application by emailing them to summerschool@nuigalway.ie and referencing the email Education in Ireland Scholarship Application

• Cover letter
• Personal statement (500 words) which outlines the student’s motivation and commitment to the study abroad experience and how the scholarship will benefit their educational practice.
• Professional Reference

And/or

•  Academic reference: applicants should submit a reference from an academic familiar with their academic record.

Scholarship applicants will be notified of application outcome after the 30 April close of applications.

Further Information

Course Administrator
International Summer School Programme
NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353 91 495442
Fax: +353 91 525051
Email: summerschool@universityofgalway.ie