Why Study Abroad in Ireland?

Ireland offers the perfect balance of urban and rural with modern city living and traditional villages. So why should you do a Freshman Programme in Ireland?

  • Known as the “Emerald Isle”, this country garnered that nickname as a result of its beautiful greenery, which can be seen in pretty much every part of the country!
  • Irish people are famous for their hospitality and friendliness.
  • The Irish education system is ranked among the top 20 in Europe and been a key factor in the rise to the top of the fastest growing economies in the world list.
  • Easy access to other European countries.
  • Many famous brands such as Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter etc., choose Ireland for centre of European operations.

IISMA Study Abroad Programme Highlights

Our IISMA Study Abroad Programme is an inclusive experience where students are integrated into the general student body, register for the same classes as Irish (and other international) students, take the same assessments, and live in the same on-campus accommodation. Every effort is made to ensure that there is a mix of Irish, US, EU, and non-EU students in each apartment or house.

  • Excellent Support Services: We encourage you to keep in touch with the Study Abroad office while on campus. We offer information and advice on immigration, accommodation and culture. We also have fantastic support services for academic, financial and personal issues that may arise. We also provide specific pre-examination and pre-departure meetings at the end of each semester.
  • Tailored Orientation Programme: We offer a specific Study Abroad Orientation each semester. The programme includes daytime and evening events and takes place prior to the first week of classes. It is an ideal way to settle in, meet other students and familiarise yourself with the campus before lectures start!
  • Airport Pick-up: Students are collected from Shannon International Airport each semester prior to orientation.
  • UL Buddy Programme: All international students matched with a UL student to help settle in, share advice and give support to arriving students 
  • Campus Based University: All housing and academic facilities are located on a beautiful 300-acre campus. UL campus has many facilities including 8 restaurants, several bars, a Spar shop and 10 cafes including Starbucks and Costa Coffee.
  • Prime Location: UL is the perfect base for exploring all of Ireland being 2 hours from Dublin, 1 hour from Cork, and Galway, and one hour from the Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way award-winning coastal driving route.
  • Integrated Living: Guaranteed on-campus accommodation living with Irish and other international students in one of the eight purpose-built student villages.
  • Field Trips and Student Events: The International Office organises a number of off-campus activities each semester. These include a special Thanksgiving dinner in the Fall and organised trips to Dublin and West of Ireland tourist attractions. We also work with the Student Life at UL to promote other trips and activities, which are offered at discount prices to students.
  • Clubs and Societies: Over 80 dedicated clubs and societies are run and managed by students for students, and are a fantastic way to make new friends.
  • Sporting Campus: World-class sporting facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, riverside running paths, gym, outdoor playing pitches and running track- all study abroad students living on-campus have free gym membership!
  • Volunteering: We have lots opportunities to volunteer in the local community, it is a fantastic way to make connections in the community and the best way to get to know real Irish/Limerick people.
  • Experiential Learning: In UL we believe our students benefit from taking part and experiencing from accredited Service-Learning opportunities in the community.

Why do the IISMA Programme at UL?

Established in 1972, the University of Limerick (UL) is an independent, internationally focused university with over 16,500 students and approximately 1,700 staff. Ranked as one of the top 100 Young Universities of the World according to Times Higher Education, UL is a young, energetic and enterprising university with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship.

  • UL offers programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering and construction, health and medicine, information and communication technology, law, mathematics, and natural sciences.
  • A University of ‘Firsts’, UL prides itself on being ahead of many of Ireland’s third-level institutions in securing unique education and training facilities for all students.
  • University of Limerick has achieved the highest possible standard in the new QS Stars Rating System, placing UL globally in the top two per cent of all universities. UL is the only university in Ireland to achieve this in 2021.
  • University of Limerick has improved its position in the 2020 UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UL has climbed to 17th out of over 900 universities worldwide in the rankings, which measure each participating university’s commitment to an environmentally friendly future. 
  • Top 150 Young Universities in the Times Higher Education World Ranking 2020.
  • Irish University of the Year 2019
  • Highest Employability in Ireland, Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
  • Ranked #1 in Ireland for Student-Employer Connections, QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020

If you would like to find out more about UL, just click here

Why do the IISMA Programme in Limerick?

Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, with a population of over 100,000. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, it is one of Ireland’s oldest cities. 

  • Sitting on the banks of the picturesque River Shannon, Limerick is a vibrant city boasting a rich culture. Whether you are diving into Limerick’s ancient history or enjoying its selection of bustling pubs, cafes and restaurants, Limerick is sure to win you over. 
  • When you arrive, be sure to explore the breath-taking landscapes and scenic villages of county Limerick, or take a day-trip along the iconic wild Atlantic way.
  • Limerick’s Mid-Western location makes it a perfect gateway to exploring the rest of Ireland and Europe. Limerick has regular transport services to Cork, Galway and Dublin. Or, if you feel like going further afoot, Limerick city is located just 20km from Shannon Airport with regular flights to European cities.
  • There are direct connections between Shannon Airport (SNN) and major cities in the USA, UK and Europe.
  • Limerick is renowned as a centre of excellence for technology. It is home to the National Technology Park and to many international electronics and technology firms.
  • Limerick offers its visitors an extensive range of attractions, museums and art galleries. For sporting enthusiasts, Limerick offers a wide range of sports, from Gaelic games (hurling and football) to the city’s favourite sport, rugby.
  • Limerick and the University of Limerick are home to Coaching Ireland and to the University Arena, which houses Ireland’s first 50-metre Olympic swimming pool.
  • Limerick is a cosmopolitan city with a unique rural charm – making it a popular choice for both Irish and international students. It is a very multicultural, friendly and safe city.

If you would like to find out more about Limerick, just click here

Student Testimonials

We love to hear feedback from our Summer School students about their time in UL and Ireland! You can see below what our students enjoyed most about the programme.

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