The DBS Ireland Study Abroad Program offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study for a semester at an Irish University. Students are fully integrated academically and socially with their Irish counterparts at the Dublin Business School (DBS).
For four months, you will study abroad in a country whose people are as well known for their endless wit, warmth, and energy, as they are for their music and literature.
Eire, or Ireland, is legendary for its history and culture, beautifully lush and sweeping countryside, and the hospitality of its people. Located just west of Great Britain and a mere stone's throw from mainland Europe, its small size and close proximity to other European centers make studying abroad at DBS truly unique.
Half of Ireland's population is under the age of 26, so the energy is undeniable. From the charming, modern, urban electricity of Dublin to the scenic wonders and historical relics of its surrounding areas, Ireland is an amazing place to study abroad.
DBS is Ireland’s leading private college for business, liberal arts and law, providing a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, professional and executive educational programs. Established in 1975 as an accountancy training school, DBS acquired LSB College in 1999, (which was subsequently renamed DBS School of Arts), European Business School (EBS) in 2006 and, most recently, Portobello College in 2007. In 1992, DBS became a designated institution with the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, an external accrediting body of the Irish Government.
Together, Dublin Business School, DBS School of Arts, EBS and Portobello College make up the largest, private, university-level institution in Ireland with a student body of more than 8,500. The combined strengths of the four institutions provide students with access to a wide range of programs and courses, enhanced academic facilities and a larger pool of academic expertise.
DBS is a city center college comprised of several buildings within very close walking distance to each other. Although not a traditional campus, the school maintains a sense of community through the academic and administrative staff, the student clubs and activities and its overall commitment to the student experience.
DBS facilities include extensive libraries, 5 high-tech IT labs, a student cafeteria, wireless internet access, film and media labs, and modern classrooms.
Students will participate in an introductory elective course which is followed by registration and completion of 4 to 5 elective courses.
The Foundation Course is an interdisciplinary, introductory course on Irish politics, history, literature and culture. Casually referred to as “Ireland 101”, it is a comprehensive, mandatory course given during the first few weeks of each semester. It is offered exclusively to American study abroad students who are just beginning their semester abroad and is an excellent means for them to familiarize themselves with Ireland. The Foundation Course is enhanced by two weekend field trips – to Northern Ireland and the Aran islands (off the West Coast) – along with other historical sites that bring much of the academic coursework to life.
Study abroad students may select from up to 70 undergraduate courses in both business and liberal arts (3 credit hours each) that are available each semester. Students are able to select from nearly every course available to both part-time and full-time DBS students, both domestic and international.
Elective courses should be approved by a student’s academic advisor prior to departure. Students register in Dublin after they finish the Foundation Course and will not receive their course schedule until that time. Course changes can be made once a student arrives in Ireland; however, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the home institution of the change and obtain any credit transfer approval necessary.
Application Forms and Guidelines for DBS
Student Academic Offerings Catelogue for 2012-13
Click link for 2012-13 academic calendar.
Host Family
Irish home stays, living with a “typical” Irish family, are carefully selected by DBS and are highly recommended by past study abroad participants. Home stays offer an incomparable opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Irish culture; they will allow you to observe and participate in daily life in Dublin. Students have private bedrooms and are provided with breakfast and dinner daily. Some families house more than one student (possibly a fellow study abroad or international student) and most live about 30 to 45 minutes outside Dublin. All families are close to public transportation.
Generally speaking, students can expect to receive the details of their host family two to three weeks prior to departure. We encourage study abroad students to communicate with their host family at least once prior to arrival.
Student Apartments
DBS also offers housing in a new apartment complex located in Blackhall Place which is adjacent to Blackhall Road (Dublin 7), a 20 to 25 minute walk to campus. This housing is for those who prefer a more independent living arrangement and an easy commute to the DBS facilities. The apartment complex is not a dormitory; it is a new development of high quality student accommodation offering comfortable suite-style apartments, fully furnished kitchens, laundry facilities and internet access. Suites typically have 3 to 4 private bedrooms (subject to availability), a dining and living area, fully furnished kitchen and balcony.
Meals
Students living in apartments will be required to provide their own meals. All apartments come with furnished kitchens, and there is a wide array of supermarkets and local vendors to choose from for groceries. Students staying in a home stay will have two meals a day provided for them.
DBS Housing Webpage
The DBS program fee for fall 2010 is $13,400. The program fee includes: Tuition, housing, two meals a day for those staying in a home stay, airport meet and greet, orientation, pre-departure advising, two weekend field trips, an official transcript from DBS and an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
The program fee does not include: Airfare ($1,000), meals ($3,500), personal expenses ($3,500), passport ($100), UNI study abroad fee ($360 for semester, $480 for year) and health insurance ($300).
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