Program Overview

England and Ireland Study Away Program

Overview

The England and Ireland Study Away Program is a two-week summer program that allows students to explore the history and culture of England and Ireland. Please note that this program has been canceled for Summer 2026.

Course

• UNI 460: 3 credits, ECCE Global Awareness, Summer Course

Program Leaders

• Dr. Patricia Johnson "Dr. J": Visiting Professor of Liberal Studies
• Dr. Donna Bussell: English Professor & Department Chairperson

Dates and Location

• Two-week summer program
• Locations: Hull, England, and Maynooth, Ireland

Requirements

• Must be a UIS undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing
• Student must have successfully completed at least 1 full year (2 semesters) at UIS before going abroad
• UIS students of all majors are welcome to participate in this program

Program Details

One week in Hull, England

• Hosted by the University of Hull
• Trace Abraham Lincoln's connection to England with a genealogist
• Excursion to the city of Lincoln to view a copy of the Magna Carta
• Excursion to Peter Berriman sites and Whitby
• Study the history of slavery in the British Empire and abolition by Hull's native: William Wilberforce
• Visit Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE)
• Investigate the port of Hull's history in the immigration of Europeans to the USA
• Free Day - some students take the 3-hour train ride to London (approx. $150)

One week in Maynooth, Ireland

• Hosted by Maynooth University
• Study the immigration patterns leading people from Ireland to Illinois
• Excursion to Strokestown to visit the National Famine Museum
• Day trip to Dublin to visit The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC)
• Guest lectures on Irish history and culture
• Free Day

Housing

• Students will be housed on-campus at the University of Hull and Maynooth University
• Single rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens
• Approximately 4-6 students in each self-catering flat

Program Cost

• Program cost is to be determined for Summer 2026
• Program cost includes:
  • International airfare
  • Most meals (on "free days" students are responsible for their own meals)
  • Housing
  • Museum entry
  • Train/bus transportation
• Estimated out-of-pocket expenses: $400 (passport, ESTA, approximately 6 meals, souvenirs, etc.)
• Course tuition is not included in the program cost listed above

Scholarships

• Apply for the UIS Donor-Sponsored Scholarship by February 17th, 2026, at noon
• Indicate within the application that you plan to participate on a study away program
• Visit the Study Away Financial Aid & Scholarship website for more information

Passport and Visa

• Students will require a passport to participate in this program
• U.S. citizens will not require a visa to participate in this program

Application

• Students apply online via the EngageU Application
• The EngageU Application must be completed and submitted in one sitting
• Students must provide proof of a passport on the application
• Students must identify a person to serve as a "Recommender" to speak on behalf of their character

Location

• History of Hull
• Maynooth, Ireland

Additional Information

• Daily Life: understand the history, the people & values, views of time management along with the cuisine and meal etiquette
• Communication: learn about appropriate communication methods, including negotiation & correspondence styles, language skills & vocabulary
• Acting Like a Local: avoid acting like a tourist by learning these taboos & helpful hints