Learning Abroad Center
A group of students pose for a photo in Dunluce, Ireland

Leadership & Social Change in Ireland & Northern Ireland

Europe
LAC Program
Global Seminar
Instructor-Led

Investigate ethical leadership while studying the historical, cultural, and political events that led to the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland.

Apply to Program

Program Details

Location icon
Location
Belfast & Dublin, Ireland
Term icon
Term
Winter Break
May Session
Housing icon
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Languages Taught In icon
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type icon}
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year icon
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA Requirement icon
GPA
2.5

About

While Northern Ireland is often viewed as a model for peace and reconciliation, more walls have gone up since the peace agreement was signed, and there is still pervasive segregation between Catholics and Protestants. In this seminar, we will visit several “interface” areas where ordinary citizens and informal leaders are attempting to facilitate change and provide safe strategies to move forward from this conflict. We will also learn about the role of elected officials and how their views and strategies might be similar or different from the community organizations.

The Brexit discussion and implementation in the past few years has also reopened the divide that was present during the Troubles. The challenges currently facing the two major parties (Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party) in Northern Ireland to work together and compromise will provide a good comparative analysis with the US structure of governance.

Program Model

Global Seminar
Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, and some other additional meals, are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.

Excursions

This program will be based primarily in Dublin and Belfast. Excursions and activities may include:

  • Dublin city tours with Irish history lectures
  • Visit to County Wicklow including Glendalough
  • Literary Pub Crawl
  • Belfast City Bus Tour
  • Crumlin Road Jail
  • The Stormont Assembly, with the possibility of meeting local politicians
  • Day trip to Derry /Londonderry including walking the city walls and the Peace Bridge
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Tour of Trinity College
  • Guest lectures from local experts
  • Visits with local community organizations working to address current challenges with society

Accessibility

If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.

Flight

May 2026 Program

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

Winter Break 2026–27 Program

The LAC will provide information on booking a designated flight. This flight will be the one the leader travels on and/or will include airport pick-up and transfers in-country. Estimated flight costs are noted in the budget, but fares may change until booked. You are advised not to book flights until given program confirmation from the LAC.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
  • Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
  • Reflect on your own capacities for leadership, intercultural competence, and cultural humility and identify your role in change for an issue that is important to you
  • Develop an understanding of the history of Ireland and Northern Ireland as well as current events and contemporary issues in society

Faculty & Staff

This seminar is led by Maggie Harris, the Capstone Course & Global Programs Coordinator, and a Teaching Specialist in the Leadership Minor, and has lead multiple programs abroad to Ireland, Argentina, as well as Bali, Indonesia.

Program Structure

Program Level
4000-level coursework
Courseload

One 3-credit course

Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:

  • Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
  • Small groups of 15–25 students
  • No prerequisites or language requirements
  • Included excursions and cultural activities
  • Instruction in English

Course Description

Throughout the seminar, explore different views on the future of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We will cover the historical, cultural, and political events that led to the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland. We will examine the ethics of the role that the United Kingdom played, as well as the strategies used by leaders on both sides in Northern Ireland.

Through excursions and assignments, you will reflect on your capacity for leadership and cultural competence, as well as how you might use them to impact change on a social issue important to you.

Coursework

You will be assessed on attendance, participation, and assignments throughout the course. Assignments include a journal, papers, and digital story presentations.

Receive Credit for: LEAD 4481

Liberal Education Fulfillments: Global Perspectives

Approved for a Leadership Minor Elective.

Approved for upper division elective credit in the Public and Nonprofit Management Co-Major.

*Itinerary and activities shown within syllabus subject to change

Sustainability

The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:

SDG 5: Gender Equality—Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Ireland and Northern Ireland place a heavy emphasis on strengthening women's rights and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. As we study peace amidst historical conflict, gender identity has been key to that.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth—Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs. The "Irish Tiger" years are a key component of study, and Ireland's powerful international partnerships and economic growth, contrasted with BREXIT's impact in Northern Ireland, help put this SDG into stark necessity and clarity.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities—To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations. Ireland and Northern Ireland's history of and modern attempts to rectify inequality through policy, activism, and more, will be deeply explored.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions—Access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, institutions at all levels. As a course on peace, community, and conflict, this SDG will be heavily studied.

By learning about all of these goals in context, you are also asked to consider them in your own realities and futures in order to consider how to meaningfully apply and pursue the SDG tenets in your own life and work.

Academic Registration

If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.

If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Program TermProgram DatesApplication DeadlineConfirmation Deadline
May Session 2026May 22–June 12, 2026February 22, 2026March 1st, 2026
Winter Break 2026–27Late December 2026-mid January 2027
Exact dates forthcoming
October 1, 2026TBD

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page. The following table of information sessions is for the upcoming Winter Break program.

DateTimeLocationLink
Tuesday, May 52:30 p.m.In-person at Heller Hall 230 or online.Registration required.
Wednesday, May 63:30 p.m.Online only.Registration required.
Monday, May 1111:00 a.m.Online only.Registration required.

Events & Info Sessions

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

  • Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. 
  • LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
  • LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
  • Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Fees

The cost of participation includes educational costs, program activities, housing, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, some meals, international medical, security, & evacuation insurance, local transportation, and program administration. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions.

You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, international airfare, meals not included, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.

The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

May 2026 Program Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Winter Break 2026–27 Program Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Funding for Leadership Minor Students

If you are a Leadership minor student, you may be eligible for funds from the Leadership Minor. Once confirmed, you will receive information directly from the minor as to how to apply. For questions, you can reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Flight & Deposit Advance

Winter Break 2026–27 Program

The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

May Session 2026

Global Seminar: Leadership & Social Change in Ireland & Northern Ireland

Program Housing

Program Fee
  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit
$400
Tuition and educational costs
$6,413
International health insurance
$55
Housing and/or meals
Three group meals included. Shared rooms in an apartment in Belfast and single rooms in a share student dorm/apartment in Dublin.
$1,412
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)
$1,540
Total Program Fee
$9,820
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable
$-500
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable
$9,320
Estimated Additional Expenses
  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site
$0
Passport/photos
$175
Visa/required documents
UK Electronic Travel Authorization ETA required for Northern Ireland
$15
Travel clinic/immunizations*
Optional travel clinic visit
$50
Housing deposit
$0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure
$240
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials
$0
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee
Most meals are not included but kitchen/kitchenette access is provided in student housing.
$350
Essential daily living expenses
International phone plan, etc.
$200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
$550
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
$10,110
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation
$150
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Apply

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Anna DeWitt at [email protected], or call at 612.626.2234.

Contact Program Alum

  • Laancaa Tufaa—Winter Break 2025, Human Resource Development Major, Leadership Minor