Parent information

Enrolling your son or daughter in a study abroad program at UL offers numerous compelling advantages, with four key ones being:

1. Enhances Confidence, Independence, and Self-Sufficiency: The experience fosters personal growth, as students develop greater self-assurance, independence, and the ability to be self-reliant.

2. Global Exposure and Diverse Connections: Through this opportunity, students get to explore different parts of the world and interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enriching their cultural awareness and global perspective.

3. Immersive Cultural Experience: The study abroad program provides an in-depth understanding of another culture, surpassing the insights possible during a typical vacation or holiday, leading to profound cultural immersion.

4. Novel Approaches to Learning and Studying: By engaging in academic activities in an international setting, students are exposed to innovative learning methods and diverse educational systems, broadening their intellectual horizons.

On-Campus Accommodation: At UL, students have the option to reside on campus within one of our eight student villages or choose private student accommodation or self-catering houses and apartments located off-campus.

Airport Pick-Up Service: We provide a convenient airport pick-up service for students arriving at Shannon International Airport each semester. Offer-holders will receive prior communication with detailed information about this service.

Tailored Orientation Programme: Every semester, we offer a specialized Orientation programme designed to prepare students for their academic journey. This comprehensive program features both day-time and evening events and takes place before the commencement of classes. It serves as an ideal opportunity for students to acclimate to their new surroundings, connect with fellow students, and familiarise themselves with the campus.

Field Trips and Student Events: The UL Global Office arranges a variety of engaging off-campus activities each semester. Additionally, we collaborate with the International Society at UL to offer various trips and events at discounted rates to enrich the student experience.

Comprehensive Support Services: We strongly encourage students to maintain regular communication with the International Office during their time at UL. Our team is readily available to provide valuable information and guidance on matters related to immigration, accommodation, and cultural adaptation.

Buddy Programme: To facilitate a smooth transition into life at UL, each new student is assigned a full-time student as their buddy, along with a small group of other students. This support system ensures that newcomers receive personalized assistance and a sense of camaraderie within the university community.

Internships: UL students undertake a 6 month work experience during their our undergraduate studies. UL work with over 1,700 international companies to make sure your son or daughter get the best experience for their internship.  This unique internships have lead to UL having the highest graduate employment in Ireland (over 97% of our graduates have gone on to employment or future studies). Visit UL's Careers website for more information.

During orientation, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students by offering comprehensive guidance on best practices for ensuring their security. We furnish them with vital information, including emergency contact details, in the unlikely event of any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, we acquaint students with the array of support services accessible to them.

Furthermore, we emphasise the significance of responsible conduct, particularly concerning alcohol consumption. It is crucial to be aware that the legal age for alcohol consumption in Ireland, consistent with the rest of the European Union, is 18 years.

To maintain regular communication with their families, students are encouraged to check in via phone or e-mail. As an additional precaution, we provide a list of emergency contact phone numbers for immediate use in case of any emergencies.

For added peace of mind, all on-campus apartments are equipped with landline phones. Moreover, cell phones (mobile phones) are readily available and reasonably priced in Ireland, with the majority of students utilising them for easy communication. The knowledge that parents can contact their sons or daughters at any time, day or night, often alleviates parental concerns significantly.Should any communication difficulties arise, we request parents to reach out to the UL Global Office, and we will promptly assist in resolving the situation.

Parents play a pivotal role in assisting students with their preparations for studying abroad and offering support during their time away and upon their return home. To facilitate a smooth transition, we diligently send students regular countdown emails before their arrival, outlining essential considerations and items they should be mindful of or bring with them to Ireland. These emails contain crucial and practical information, which you may wish to review together with your son or daughter prior to their departure.

Please be aware that the recipients of these countdown emails vary based on the specific agreement we have with the School/College/Agency, and they are typically sent to either the student directly, the International Program Office, or the designated agent. In the event that your son or daughter does not receive these important emails, we kindly request you to contact our office at ulglobal@ul.ie, and we will promptly address any concerns or queries you may have.

• Familiarise yourself with the pre-arrival pack together with your son or daughter to grasp the provided information and the expectations before their departure.
• Encourage proactive pre-departure preparations. Remind your son or daughter not to procrastinate, as last-minute arrangements can lead to unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
• Maintain regular communication with your son or daughter for your peace of mind. A phone call or a couple of email messages per week are recommended.
• Motivate your son or daughter to embrace their study abroad experience fully by actively participating in campus life at UL. Engaging in clubs or societies can be an excellent starting point.
• Be prepared for potential challenges during their transition into the new environment. Show understanding and an open mind, especially in the initial days when they might be dealing with fatigue and jet lag.
• Recognise that re-adjustment upon their return home can also be challenging. We offer orientation programs before each semester for international students and re-entry/pre-departure sessions for short-stay students (Study Abroad) before their departure from UL. It is mandatory for your son or daughter to attend both sessions.
• Understand that a comprehensive overseas experience may lead to personal growth and changes in your son or daughter. They might find it challenging to return to previous routines, and your support and understanding during this period are crucial.

If you wish to get in touch with your son or daughter or have any questions about the programme, you can contact the UL Global Office by telephone or email. We encourage students to stay in regular contact with their parents by telephone and email. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Email: ulglobal@ul.ie