Introduction:
Ireland’s beautiful landscape of windswept shorelines and towering mountains has inspired saints, scholars, freedom-fighters, writers, and artists for centuries. From the times of Celtic bards to those of Joyce’s Dubliners, this emerald land has given rise to a literary and poetic imagination celebrated throughout the world. Today, with half of its population under 26, the vibrancy of its youth culture is unparalleled in other parts of Europe. From the charming yet modern capital city of Dublin to the scenic wonders and historical relics of its surrounding areas, Ireland offers a thoroughly energizing adventure. The National University of Ireland Maynooth has 13,000 students and is Ireland’s second oldest university institution. Situated 25km west of Dublin, it is located in Ireland’s only university town, Maynooth, which combines the historical legacy of its medieval origins with the conveniences of a modern town.
Educational System:
The academic system in Ireland is quite different from that of the United States, but like the U.S. system, remember that teaching and assessment methods may vary from course to course. Generally, you will find that you have fewer “contact” hours - time spent in class - in your courses at NUIM than you normally do here. This does not mean that your course load is lighter; rather, you are expected to spend more time in self-directed study preparing for classes, papers, and examinations.
Grading System and Credit Conversion:
| NUI Mark |
UM Grade |
| 70-100 |
A |
| 66-69 |
A- |
| 62-65 |
B+ |
| 50-61 |
B |
| 45-49 |
B- |
| 40-44 |
C |
| 0-39 |
F |
Credit Equivalency
1 NUIM credit= .5 UM credits
Academic Areas:
Arts and Humanities
Natural Sciences
Business
Social Sciences
Peace and Conflict Studies certificate program (with trips to Northern Ireland)
Irish Cultural Heritage certificate program (with field experiences throughout Ireland)
Prerequisites:
Minimum 3.00 GPA. This program is limited to three semester exchange places.
Room and Board:
UM students are guaranteed a room in one of several residence halls. Most rooms are singles with access to shared bathroom and kitchen facilities; however, en-suite rooms are available.
All on-campus accommodation is situated on NUI Maynooth's north campus, close to lecture, sports and recreational facilities. Every apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with dining area and sitting room. Apartments are not equipped with bed linen and towels. Students can buy these cheaply locally (total approximate €50-60). There are several halls within the campus.
You Are A Guest:
As an exchange student, you will have the opportunity to experience university life in a completely different way. For example, you might find that courses abroad are not equal to three UM credits. The format of assessment might be different, with great emphasis being placed on one big test versus smaller assignments throughout the semester. The amount of time spent in class can vary greatly from country to country as well as the amount of independent learning that is expected. Exchange students are guests of the host university and will not receive any services that the local, degree-seeking students do not receive. The university abroad may not provide the same amenities as the University of Miami and the level of customer service can vary.
Exchange programs open the door for students to have the experience of a university student in a different country. It is important to talk to your study abroad advisor about your level of comfort with the challenges that await you abroad. Your advisor may be able to suggest an exchange program that offers more of the services to which you have become accustomed, or can direct you to a semester on location program. Students who have chosen to embark on an exchange program have reported that by overcoming obstacles encountered abroad, they have gained independence and self-confidence, and were challenged to broaden their perspectives.
Dates:
Fall Semester: Mid-September to late January
Spring Semester: Late January to early June
