Program Details
This program was carefully designed to provide an optimal academic and cultural experience for all student participants. For further details, please contact Professor Sandy Mervosh directly at smervosh@pointpark.edu
Transportation & Orientation
We will begin the Cultural Immersion when arriving at the Dublin Airport by using public transportation to reach our accommodations. Transportation to and from some excursions will be provided.
The day of arrival in Dublin, the group will be provided a full day orientation that will include sessions related to the academic structure, housing accommodations, emergency contact information, and health and safety information. The session will include a guided bus tour of Dublin and will conclude with a welcome meal.
Academic Structure
The academic structure of this course lives up to the vision that the "World is Your Campus". You will spend time within a traditional classroom, as well as integrate corporate and cultural experiences from Dublin and across Ireland.
Excursions
Glendalough & Bray (Daytrip)
This excursion will include roundtrip transportation, guided tours, admission to an early monastic site, interpretive center and group hike. A short visit to Bray, a seaside resort will also be part of this excursion.
Belfast (Daytrip)
This excursion will include roundtrip transportation and admission to local government institutions and historical sites.
Wicklow Mountains (Daytrip)
This excursion will explore the National Park that stretches across almost 23,000 hectares south of Dublin. The largest of Ireland's National Parks
Excursions subject to change.
Cultural Activities
A variety of social and cultural activities are integrated into the course to help students learn more about the host culture:
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Evening of Irish Music and Dance
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1 Gaelic Language Lessons
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Kilmainham Jail visit (includes admission)
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Trinity College
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Book of Kells
Student Accommodations
Students will live in three or four bedroom apartments in single rooms. Each bedroom is fully furnished and features a desk, wardrobe, side table and bed. The common area of the apartment is furnished with a couch, TV and dining room table and chairs. There is one bathroom per apartment. There is no meal plan provided with this housing option. All apartments are equipped with a fully functional kitchen with basic appliances and utensils including an oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, vacuum cleaner and an iron and ironing board. Apartments will also have a washer/dryer as well as internet.
Students will be provided with sheets, a pillow and a duvet slip. Students will either need to bring or purchase a towel, as they are not provided.
The apartments are in close proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and the local nightlife district of Temple Bar.
The commute time from student housing to the classroom varies; however, it typically does not exceed 30 minutes.
Ireland 2025 Tentative Schedule
Ireland 2025 Tentative Schedule * Subject to Change Sunday May 11, 2025, Leave PIT Monday May 12, 2025, Arrive in Dublin Activity: Orientation - Breakfast Orienting Walking Tour of Dublin - hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Group meal – hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Project Review for Corporate visit – will need a room Tuesday May 13, 2025 Activity: Corporate Visit- hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Guinness Visit- Optional Dinner on own Wednesday May 14, 2025 Activity: Dublin site visits: Trinity College- hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Gaelic Lesson- hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Group Meal-Hosted by Faculty - funded by PPU Thursday May 15, 2025 Activity: Train to Belfast - funded by PPU Northern Tour- funded by PPU Return to Dublin late- funded by PPU Friday May 16, 2025 Activity: Class time – reflection and project updates Guest Speaker- hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Group prepared dinner – funded by PPU Saturday May 17, 2025 – Free Day Sunday May 18, 2025 Activity: Day excursion to Wicklow mts – hiking or horseback riding- funded by PPU Dinner on own Monday May 19, 2025 Activity: Class time Corp visit hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Group prepared dinner - funded by PPU Tuesday May 20, 2025 Activity: Day excursion hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Dinner on your own Wednesday May 21, 2025 Activity: Class time Corp visit – TBD PPU arranged Group prepared dinner- funded by PPU Thursday May 22, 2025 Activity: DCU visit – PPU arranged Class time Group dinner -Faulty hosted- funded by PPU Friday May 23, 2025 – Free Day Saturday May 24, 2025 – Activity: Class Time Group Presentations Final Dinner – hosted by 'Cultural Excursions Abroad - PPU Affiliated Partner Sunday May 25, 2025 - Leave Dublin
Projected Costs
* costs do not include personal expenses and additional meals
Land__________________ $3500
Air: ___________________$1000
Additional Meals ________$500
Total Cost: _____________$5000
NOTE: Land cost includes:
Welcome meal
Farewell meal
Dublin City Tour
Irish music and dance
One Gaelic lesson
Trinity College visit and Book of Kells
One Excursion
Two guest speakers
Two Site Visits
Transportation to Visits
Local transportation via rail and bus will balance the experience and expand the student’s cultural awareness.
13 nights of accommodations