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Study Abroad | Maynooth

Ireland | Maynooth University | Spring 2024
A group of students on a hill overlooking the ocean in Maynooth, Ireland.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively college town of Maynooth, Ireland, with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at Maynooth University, one of the leading new universities in the world. Located just 15 miles west of Dublin and close to Maynooth Castle, the campus is home to over 13,000 students from over 90 countries.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 18 semester credits depending on program and course selection

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English

  • Housing

    On campus student apartments

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    2-night Dublin experience, an overnight excursion to Cork and Kilkenny and an Irish farm experience

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • On-Site Program Director

    to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

Program Details: Study Abroad | Maynooth Full Curriculum

Program is closed

Dates

January 29, 2024June 8, 2024

Term

Spring

Institution

Maynooth University

Application Deadline

October 10, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$18,990

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 3.0 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens prior to arrival in Ireland; however, you must register with the Irish Immigration authorities within 30 days of your arrival. AIFS will provide the required documents and instructions for completing this registration. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining a visa as required.

Areas of Interest

  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Area Studies
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • English
  • Film Studies
  • Finance
  • Fitness and Recreation
  • Geography
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Travel and Tourism

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Education, Social Services, and Psychology
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Global Sustainability
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
  • Social and Criminal Justice
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Maynooth University has been recognized as one of the leading new universities in the world and is Ireland’s fastest growing university with over 13,000 students from over 90 countries. 

Maynooth is divided between the South campus, an older complex of nineteenth century buildings, and the North campus, a modern complex of teaching, research, accommodation and support facilities. 

  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Area Studies
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • English
  • Film Studies
  • Finance
  • Fitness and Recreation
  • Geography
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Travel and Tourism

The International Program at Maynooth University gives visiting students the opportunity to take a wide variety of courses (subject to prerequisites) studying alongside local students. The university offers a diverse and flexible curriculum across the arts, engineering, humanities, mathematics, sciences and the social sciences. Students typically take 4 courses per semester from across 34 university departments. Maynooth is the only university in Ireland to offer anthropology courses and due to its history offers an unrivaled suite of theology courses. Students may choose up to six 3-credit courses but to ensure a manageable workload we recommend a maximum of 5. 

The Certificate in Irish Cultural Heritage offers an inter-disciplinary overview of Irish culture with a focus on archaeology, history, language and literature. Students choose either ID 001 (3) Introducing Irish Cultural Heritage or ID 012 (3) Introducing Settlement and Society in Early Ireland and then select three additional courses from the following list. 

  • ID 003 – The Cultural Heritage of Newgrange (3)
  • ID 004 – Cultural Heritage and the Irish Literary Tradition (3)
  • ID 005 – Cultural Heritage and the Early Irish Heroic Tradition (3)
  • ID 013 – The Cultural Heritage of Royal Sites (3)
  • LC 101 – Irish language 1 (3)
  • PH 204 – Medieval Philosophy (3) 

This program has field seminars to the Boyne Valley World Heritage Site which includes the three largest artificial structures in Neolithic Europe dating from 3300-3000 BC; the Hill of Tara, the great monastery of Clonmacnoise and the prehistoric complex at Emain Macha which contains archaeological sites dating from 2200 BC. Students may have to pay a small supplement to participate in some of these excursions. 

The Certificate in International Business offers visiting international students a grounding in the functional principles of international business. Students choose 2 courses from the sample listed below plus 2 further courses from within the business modules at Maynooth University. This certificate is designed for students who have completed one year of a business degree or liberal arts majors with business as a core subject. 

Fall Semester 

  • MN 215 International Business
  • MN 313 International Marketing
  • MN 322 Managing Multinational Corporations

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available. Students receive letter grades on this scale: 

71+A+
66 - 70 A
63 – 65 A-
61 – 62 B+
58 – 60B
55 – 57B-
52 – 54C+
48 – 51C
45 – 47C-
40 – 44D
0-39 F

The International Program at Maynooth University gives visiting students the opportunity to take a wide variety of courses (subject to prerequisites) studying alongside local students. The university offers a diverse and flexible curriculum across the arts, engineering, humanities, mathematics, sciences and the social sciences. Students typically take 4 courses per semester from across 34 university departments. Maynooth is the only university in Ireland to offer anthropology courses and due to its history offers an unrivaled suite of theology courses. Students may choose up to six 3-credit courses but to ensure a manageable workload we recommend a maximum of 5. 

The Certificate in Irish Cultural Heritage offers an inter-disciplinary overview of Irish culture with a focus on archaeology, history, language and literature. Students choose either ID 001 (3) Introducing Irish Cultural Heritage or ID 012 (3) Introducing Settlement and Society in Early Ireland and then select three additional courses from the following list. 

  • ID 003 – The Cultural Heritage of Newgrange (3)
  • ID 004 – Cultural Heritage and the Irish Literary Tradition (3)
  • ID 005 – Cultural Heritage and the Early Irish Heroic Tradition (3)
  • ID 013 – The Cultural Heritage of Royal Sites (3)
  • LC 101 – Irish language 1 (3)
  • PH 204 – Medieval Philosophy (3) 

This program has field seminars to the Boyne Valley World Heritage Site which includes the three largest artificial structures in Neolithic Europe dating from 3300-3000 BC; the Hill of Tara, the great monastery of Clonmacnoise and the prehistoric complex at Emain Macha which contains archaeological sites dating from 2200 BC. Students may have to pay a small supplement to participate in some of these excursions. 

The Certificate in International Business offers visiting international students a grounding in the functional principles of international business. Students choose 2 courses from the sample listed below plus 2 further courses from within the business modules at Maynooth University. This certificate is designed for students who have completed one year of a business degree or liberal arts majors with business as a core subject. 

Spring Semester  

  • MN 224 International Management
  • MN 214 International HR Management
  • MN 323 International Corporate Entrepreneurship

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available. Students receive letter grades on this scale: 

71+A+
66 - 70 A
63 – 65 A-
61 – 62 B+
58 – 60B
55 – 57B-
52 – 54C+
48 – 51C
45 – 47C-
40 – 44D
0-39 F
View All Courses For Full Curriculum
Alexandra Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE maynooth

Want to study abroad in Ireland? Alexandra, an AIFS Abroad alum from Rowan University recently took over our Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Maynooth during fall semester. Watch as she highlights her experience!

A student standing on rocks in Maynooth, Ireland.

Living Abroad

Student Apartment

Students will live in apartments on the Maynooth University North campus. The apartments have 4 or 5 single en-suite bedrooms.

  • Single en-suite room
  • Shared kitchen and living area

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Maynooth.

Transportation Pass

Students receive a travel pass for use on trains, the LUAS and buses in Dublin which can be used to travel between Maynooth and Dublin. Passes will be loaded with €100 credit on arrival and can be topped up during the semester as and when needed. Students are responsible for costs above the initial €100 contribution.

Geography

Maynooth is home to 12,500 residents year-round, which grows to a temporary 25,000 during the academic year when students arrive. It is about 15 miles west of central Dublin, which is easily accessible by train.  

History

Maynooth is known for the Maynooth Castle which is one of County Kildare’s most well-known historic sites.  It was founded in the early 13th century, and became the house of the Great Earl of Kildare.  

Nature

Near to Maynooth you’ll find many places to enjoy the outdoors including Donadea Forest and Abbeyfield Farm.

AIFS in Maynooth Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Clíodhna Dunne headshot.

Clíodhna Dunne

Hi, my name is Clíodhna and I’ll be looking after you in Maynooth. I have lived close to Maynooth for my whole life. I am a graduate from Maynooth University with a degree in History and Accounting. I love to travel and have been to the U.S. and most of Europe. I have been working with study abroad groups in both Maynooth and Dublin since the beginning of 2018. I will be helping you to settle into the university here and will show you a lot of Ireland and Irish culture. I can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to my home university and to Ireland!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to excursions a program of social and cultural events will be included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of local Maynooth and AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Irish life and culture. Typical activities, tours and visits include:

  • Group meals
  • Irish music nights
  • Museum and gallery visits
  • Walking tours
  • Irish sporting events
  • Theater performances

You may be asked to pay a small supplementary fee for some of the events offered each semester.

Orientation

A week-long orientation program is included at Maynooth for all students including a campus and library tour, academic subject meetings, introduction to clubs and societies, student support meetings, a scavenger hunt and welcome event.

AIFS students will have access to a wide range of on-campus sports facilities including indoor sports hall, fully-equipped gymnasium, fitness center, weights room, and tennis courts and football pitches. 

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside Maynooth and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Ireland. Previous excursions have included:

A bridge in Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin

Guided sightseeing tour. Visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast and a welcome meal. 

  • Ireland
  • 2 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A cow on a farm in Ireland.

Irish Farm Experience

Make your own Irish soda bread, learn how to milk a cow, take Irish drum and Ceili (dancing) lessons, ride on a tractor and more. Includes round-trip transportation and light refreshments. 

  • Ireland
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Cork, Ireland.

Cork and Kilkenny

Guided sightseeing tour with free time to explore. Includes round-trip transportation and accommodations.  

  • Ireland
  • 2 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A street in Galway, Ireland with colorful buildings and flags.

Galway

Guided walking tour. Visit the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast and a group meal with traditional music.  

* Minimum enrollment of 6 students is required for this trip to run. 

  • Ireland
  • 3 Days
  • $425
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    October 10, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    October 31, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    October 1, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    January 28, 2024
  • Program Begins
    January 29, 2024
  • Program Ends
    June 8, 2024
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    June 8, 2024
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,980
  • Boston
    $1,660
  • Buffalo
    $1,580
  • Charlotte
    $1,840
  • Chicago
    $1,780
  • Cincinnati
    $1,920
  • Columbus
    $1,760
  • Dallas
    $1,860
  • Denver
    $2,000
  • Des Moines
    $1,880
  • Detroit
    $2,000
  • Houston
    $1,920
  • Los Angeles
    $1,800
  • Miami
    $1,780
  • Minneapolis
    $2,040
  • New York
    $1,620
  • Newark
    $1,620
  • Orlando
    $1,740
  • Philadelphia
    $1,720
  • Phoenix
    $1,860
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,800
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,840
  • San Francisco
    $1,820
  • Seattle
    $1,980
  • St. Louis
    $1,780
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,640
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Maynooth?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com