Experience a transformative semester studying at Maynooth University, located just 15 miles west of Dublin in the vibrant college town of Maynooth, Ireland. This AIFS Abroad program offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish culture and academics while earning up to 18 semester credits from a diverse range of courses taught in English. You'll study alongside over 13,000 local students from more than 90 countries in a welcoming international environment.

You have flexibility in choosing your academic path. The International Program allows you to select from courses across 34 university departments spanning arts, engineering, humanities, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences. Maynooth is the only university in Ireland offering anthropology courses and boasts an unrivaled collection of theology courses. Alternatively, you can pursue specialized certificates in Irish Cultural Heritage or International Business, both offering unique perspectives on Irish society and global commerce. Whether you're interested in business, sciences, humanities, or cultural studies, you'll find courses aligned with your academic goals.

Your housing is provided in modern on-campus student apartments on the North campus, featuring single en-suite bedrooms with shared kitchen and living areas and included internet access. You'll receive a transportation pass loaded with €100 credit for trains, the LUAS, and buses in Dublin, making it easy to explore the capital and surrounding regions. The program includes a week-long orientation covering campus tours, academic meetings, and introduction to clubs and societies.

Beyond the classroom, the program includes multiple excursions and cultural activities designed to deepen your understanding of Irish life. Included activities feature a day trip to Dublin with the Guinness Storehouse, a 3-day excursion to Galway exploring the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, and an authentic Irish farm experience where you'll make soda bread, learn traditional skills, and enjoy Irish music and Ceili dancing. Additional cultural events include group meals, Irish music nights, museum visits, walking tours, and theater performances, all arranged by the dedicated on-site AIFS director who will help you navigate university life and Irish culture.

The inclusive program fee of $19,990 covers tuition, housing, excursions, cultural activities, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and access to professional development tools like the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. Optional round-trip flights from 25 U.S. cities are available separately, ranging from $1,380 to $1,840 depending on your departure point. You must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be at least a sophomore with two semesters of grades on your transcript. U.S. citizens don't need a visa before arrival but must register with Irish Immigration within 30 days; AIFS provides guidance and visa processing services for those who enroll by the visa deadline.

This program is ideal for students seeking a well-rounded abroad experience combining rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and travel. Maynooth's proximity to Dublin and its rich historical sites—from Maynooth Castle to the Boyne Valley World Heritage Site—provides endless exploration opportunities. You'll return home not just with college credits, but with deeper cultural understanding, international friendships, and memories of one of Europe's most welcoming destinations.