Participants take classes at the Institute of Public Administration on Irish literature, Modern Irish History and Irish Society and Politics two days each week. Courses are taught by faculty from Trinity College, University College Dublin and the Institute of Public Administration. Interns have access to the library and facilities of the Institute. Participants earn three credits for each class and six credits for the internship. All are given letter grades.
Students take an excursion to Belfast to learn more about Northern politics and the peace process.
Housing is with Irish families where students take breakfasts and dinners. Living in the political and cultural capital of Ireland allows for immersion in the daily life and intellectual currents of contemporary Irish society. An exciting array of theater and music offerings makes for lively evenings and weekends. Historical sites are around every corner. The combination of experiencing another culture first-hand and gaining a practical knowledge of the work environment makes this valuable for both personal and career reasons.