Two-week study abroad program in Ireland now open to all majors

For the past five years, the Rodgers Family Department of Nursing has sponsored a popular two-week study abroad program in Ireland focusing on public health and public policy in a region that has experienced conflict and violence.

In 2017 the program will broaden its scope, adding a new track focusing on concepts of mercy and reflecting on the troubled history of conflict in the region while also taking up contemporary social issues related to Brexit and the migration crisis.

Information sessions on the Ireland program, which runs from May 27 through June 11, will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 in the O’Hare Academic Building, Room 219 and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 in the Office of International Programs (Drexel Hall).

Built around shared overseas experiences, the program will offer opportunities for interdisciplinary interaction and service within community agencies. Participants will also enroll in one of the following three-credit courses during the spring 2017 semester: SOA399: Mercy, Justice and the Sociological Imagination or NUR475: International Service Learning Clinical and Seminar.

“Our nursing students have learned so much through this program,” said Jacqueline Janicki, who will lead the program along with Dr. Laura O’Toole. “They have been able to see the importance and value of understanding a community’s history and socio-political influences, and how these factors can impact the health and well being of individuals and groups. I am excited that we will be broadening the program to include other students as I believe it will only enrich the experience.”

The deadline to apply for the Ireland program is Thursday, Dec. 15. For more information, see the program brochure or visit the short-term study abroad webpage.