In 1969, society in Northern Ireland was seized by violent conflict that erupted from issues relating to civic, political, and social differences. Today, Northern Ireland provides an example of the vast dimensions of transition from conflict to a sustainable democracy. In the Democracy & Social Change program, you will examine the historical, political and religious roots of the conflict in Northern Ireland, the prospects for peace and the progress being made. Classes are held at the University of Ulster with field study in selected regions of Northern Ireland.

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The courses are taken as an integrated whole and provide the equivalent of a semester's worth of credit, or 16 semester hours.  For more detailed information on the courses, click here.  For example internship sites, click here.

Contact Renee Knutson, Director of Study Abroad, to discuss program fees and financial aid.

Up to three $500 awards will be made each semester to students who have worked for social change and whose future goals will be strengthened by a HECUA semester program.  Selection criteria include: a scholarship essay showing the match between the student's goals and the HECUA program, a strong letter of recommendation, and financial need (students who do not qualify for aid may apply). This is a merit-based scholarship; however, among equally deserving candidates financial need may be considered. Please note in your essay if there are financial considerations.  The deadline is June 1 for fall programs and Decmeber 1 for spring programs.  For a scholarship application, click here.

Up to two $1500 scholarships for first generation college students, students from low-income families, and students of color, are available.  Required materials include a reflective essay, a letter of recommendation, and a student aid report.  The deadline is April 15 for fall programs and December 1 for spring programs.  For an application, click here.

The tentative Spring Semester 2009 program dates are January 29, 2009 - May 18, 2009.  The application deadline is November 1, 2008. 

To be eligible, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA, preferably a 2.5 GPA, and be of sophomore status. 

Submit HECUA application, required items and $50 application fee to the Study Abroad Office.

Submit Saint Mary's required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office. 

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the student's application and subsequent approval from HECUA.

After acceptance, complete the following required items.

1.  Pay $400 non-refundable program deposit payable to SMU. 

2.  Attend all orientation sessions.

3.  Obtain a passport.  Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.

4.  Arrange travel plans.  Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.

5.  Purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $22 in the Study Abroad Office.

Location

Northern Ireland covers 5,459 square miles in the northeast of the island of Ireland, about a sixth of the total area of the island, and has a population of approximately 1,685,000  — between a quarter and a third of the island's total population.

Coleraine is a large town in County Londonderry at the mouth of the River Bann.  It is 56 miles northwest of Belfast and 31 miles east of Derry.  It has a population of approximately 24,000. 

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and the second largest city of Ireland.  The population within city limits is approximately 276,000, and approximately 579,000 live in the Belfast Metropolitan Urban Area.  It is near the mouth of River Lagan and has the Castlereagh Hills on the south and the Antrim Hills on the north.

Derry (Londonderry) is the second largest city in Northern Ireland and covers both banks of the River Foyle that is connected by two bridges.  The population within the city proper is approximately 83,000, and approximately 91,000 live in the Derry Urban area.

Climate

The whole of Northern Ireland has an oceanic climate, rather wetter in the west than the east, although cloud cover is persistent across the region.  The weather is unpredictable at all times of the year, and although the seasons are distinct, they are considerably less pronounced than in Minnesota.  Average daytime maximums are 44 °F (7 °C) in January and 64 °F (18 °C) in July.

Time

When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, Northern Ireland is six hours ahead. 

Currency

British currency (sterling) consists of pounds (£) and pence (p), sometimes referred to as “quid” and “p”.  100p = £1.  Notes are issued for £5, £10, £20, and £50 and coins for 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2.  For the current exchange rate, click here.

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