Cultural Geography of Ireland
 Sheep taking the road less travelled near Connemara. photo by Danielle Finn MSU Alumna, class of 2013 |
July 13 - 25, 2015
Why visit and study Ireland?
The answer is that, right now, Ireland has it all. From the haunting beauty of the pure, unspoiled landscapes and the drama of the coastline, to the urban buzz of the country's dynamic cities mixed with the magic of thousands of years' worth of culture and history, Ireland is a country that never fails to surprise.
The country is well known for its colorful traditions, whimsical folklore, tasty food and drinks, eclectic musical history and warm and welcoming people. This program will allow students to explore the culture, landscape, history and social issues of Ireland. Throughout the tour, participants will experience the richness of Irish culture by visiting four Irish cities, interacting with locals, and taking in diverse settings- from the beauty of the Irish landscape, to the heritage of smaller towns.
 Dr. Jacob Sowers |
Application Deadline: March 17th, 2015
Download an application here [pdf]
If you do not already have a passport, now is the time to apply for one.
Depending upon available space late applications might be accepted after March 17th, 2015. Applicants who submit an application after this date are not guaranteed a spot on the program and might be required to pay a slightly higher program fee due to rate fluctuation in transportation costs. Rate increases are typically not significant.
Academic Course Work
MSU assistant professor of geography, Jacob Sowers, is leading the program. Participants will be enrolled in Geography 496: Cultural Geography of Ireland- a Field Study (3 credits.)
 Cliffs of Moher |
Througout the 12-day program, students explore the historical and contemporary cultural geography of Ireland with multiple day experiences in the core areas of the four main regions: regions—Dublin the heart of the east (Leinster); Cork, the core of the south (Munster); Galway the core of the west (Connaught); and Belfast the center of the north (Ulster)—with opportunities to view the cultural and physical landscape of the lands in-between.
The field study course will focus on essential cultural geography topics, such as cultural and natural landscape morphology, regional identity, and sense of place/place identity. Core cultural themes, such as religion, language, cuisine, sport, and material landscape will be explored. In addition, the course will also examine complex contemporary geographical issues facing the Irish, such as sustainability, globalization, nationalism, and issues of authenticity.
Travel Itinerary*
The logistical aspects of this program are being facilitated by the International Studies Abroad (ISA), one of Minot State University's study abroad affiliate providers. *This is a preliminary itinerary and is subject to change.
| Date | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| July 14 | Arrive in Dublin | Arrive in Dublin. Tour of the city. Check into accommodations. Welcome dinner hosted by ISA staff. |
| July 15 | Dublin | Visit Easter Rising locations: GPO, Kilmainham Gaol, St. Stephen's Green, Collins Baraks at National Museum of Ireland, Arbour Hill Cemetery. |
| July 16 | Dublin | Trinity College tour with Book of Kells (with historical, cultural guide and lecture on holdings of the univeristy). Guinness storehouse. |
| July 17 | Dublin, travel to Cork | Dublin castle. Chester Beatty Library. Travel to Cork via private coach. Midlands- Jameson Distillery. Check into accommodations. Live show: Pulses of Tradition. |
| July 18 | Cork | Blarney Castle. Walking tour of Cork. |
| July 19 | Galway | Travel to Galway via bus. Walking tour of Galway. |
| July 20 | Galway | Daytrip to Cliffs of Moher. |
| July 21 | Galway | Daytrip to Aran Islands. |
| July 22 | Belfast | Travel to Belfast via private coach. Check into accommodations. Walking tour of Belfast. |
| July 23 | Belfast | Sectorial divisions. Crumlin Road Gaol. |
| July 24 | Dublin | Travel to Dublin via train. St. Patrick's castle. Farewell dinner hosted by ISA staff. |
| July 25 | Depart from Dublin |
Program Fees
 Quaint Irish Pub |
The program includes: group pick up and drop off at Dublin airport, an orientation meeting upon arrival, transportation within Ireland, breakfast each morning in the Cork and Belfast, a welcome and departure dinner, accommodations, entrance fees, guided tours, international medical and emergency insurance coverage, and 24- hour onsite support. Accommodations are double occupancy.
Items not included in the program fee are: round-trip international airfare, some breakfasts, lunches and some dinners, optional excursions or transportation for free-time activities, departure fees (i.e. airline luggage fees) and customary gratuities.
A typical day will involve an active itinerary of sightseeing and local excursions starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The tour will be fast paced at times so that you get the most of your time abroad.
| Program Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Base Program Fee* | $ 2,950 | Students will be responsible to arrive independently in Dublin, Ireland on or before July 14, 2015. |
| Tuition - 3 Credits** | $ 780 | |
| TOTAL | $ 3,730 | |
* Applicants between ages of 50-64 years of age at time of travel, add $100 for the added cost of international insurance. Applicants between ages of 65-74 years of age at time of travel, add $250 for the added cost of international insurance.
**Program participants may choose to audit coursework at 50% tuition rate. Financial Aid is not available for audited courses, and grades will not appear on transcripts.
 View of Cork |
Payment Deadlines:
$400 due with the Application
April 17, 2015: additional $200 due
May 15, 2015: final balance of $2,350 due
June 10, 2015: Tuition due to MSU cashier’s window
Late Payments:
- If a payment is received 5 business days or more after the payment due date, your application will be considered withdrawn and you will be responsible for any cancellation penalties.
- If for any reason your payment cannot be processed, a fee of $50 will be incurred.
Payment Policies:
- Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to depart on the program unless the program fees are paid in full.
- MSU is not responsible for delays caused by late passport applications, late visa applications or visa denials. Any additional costs incurred for such reasons will be the responsibility of the participant.
Cancellation & Refunds
Withdrawal from the program is effective on the date that written notification is received by MSU’s Office of International Programs.
| If you withdraw: | The cancellation penalty will be: |
|---|---|
| After Application is submitted | $400 |
| After April 17, 2015 | $600 |
| After May 15, 2015 | $1,550 |
| After May 29, 2015 | $2,000 |
| After June 28, 2015 | Refund of tuition fees only per MSU business office policies |
| After departure | No refund of program fees or tuition for the course. |
Please Note:
- MSU will not alter its payment and/or cancellation policies for any reason. If you are concerned about being reimbursed for program fees in the event that you decide to withdraw from the program due to events such as illness, death of a family member, visa denials, natural disaster or international affairs, please investigate the possibility of obtaining independent trip insurance. MSU is not able to offer advice on independent trip insurance.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be applied to cover study tour fees, so students might want to consider the possibility of obtaining Financial Aid (generally including loans) to assist in funding their program. For more information about this option, please visit the Financial Aid Office, call (701) 858-3375 or visit their website: www.minotstateu.edu/finaid
 Fishing boats in Galway |
Contact us for more information!
Libby Claerbout
Director of International Programs
MSU Office of International Programs
1st Floor Student Center
500 University Ave West Minot, ND 58701
libby.claerbout@minotstateu.edu
Dr. Jacob Sowers
jacob.sowers@minotstateu.edu
→ Learn more about Horizons Unlimited faculty-led study tours
