Location
Galway, Derry, Ireland, United Kingdom
Program Description
Experience Ireland and its culture for six weeks while earning a combined 6 hours of SMAD credits. Selected students will visit major landmarks and cities and come to appreciate Ireland’s rich culture and society by analyzing its films, media, and community dynamics.
During their stay, students will collaborate on a community and media based project in order to examine a locally relevant theme in today’s Irish society. Students will also examine the social and cultural context of Galway with a special focus on media, film, food, and music. The program will provide students a special opportunity to help document the stories of local residents and their communities in Galway.
Throughout the trip, students will also document the impact of their own journeys and experiences by creating reflexive content in various interactive media formats. This study abroad program is designed to help develop participant’s analytical, media, and cross-cultural skills while gaining a greater knowledge of Irish society/culture and self.
6 Credit Program
Choose 1:
SMAD398a - Contemporary Irish Film
SMAD398b - Irish Culture & Interactive Media
Choose 1:
SMAD305a - Documentary Storytelling for Impact
SMAD305b - Interactive Storytelling & User Experience
Location Description
During the program, students will travel throughout Ireland. The program begins in Galway, Ireland.
Next the program travels north to the city of Derry in Northern Ireland. The city has a long, colorful and at times troubled history, but today the city is in the midst of a compelling transformation into a more positive, creative and welcoming place.
Finally, the program heads south along the Wild Atlantic Way where students will spend the last few weeks in the city of Galway (considered the arts capital of Ireland) during the city’s internationally recognized film and performing arts festivals.
Director
Shelly Hokanson | hokanssl@jmu.edu | Media Arts and Design
Joe Loyacano | loyacajr@jmu.edu | Media Arts and Design
Accommodations
Housing will be provided and students will share accommodations in conveniently located apartments, residence halls, and hotels. All locations include free Wi-Fi and access to on-site kitchens.
The program will provide students with a weekly meal stipend, and several group meals will be covered as well.
Additional Items to Consider
Vaccination (covid and other) requirements as specified by CGE and locations abroad.
COVID-19 Location Information:
Each country has different requirements upon entry with regard to COVID-19. Please check this website for the most up-to-date information on what is required for the country (or countries) that are part of this program. Please note that this changes often, so we encourage you to check back frequently.
Applicant Criteria
Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.6
Sophomore, junior or senior standing
No prerequisites
Application Process
This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:
- Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
- Short Essay
- Resume
- Interview with Program Director may be required
Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.
Application Deadline
Dates
All dates are tentative and subject to change
Courses
SMAD 305: Interactive Storytelling & User Experience (3 credits)
SMAD 398: Contemporary Irish Film (3 credits)
SMAD 398: Irish Culture & Interactive Media (3 credits)
SMAD 305: Documentary Storytelling for Impact (3 credits)
Courses listed here are to be used as a general guideline for program curriculum. *All courses are considered pending until approved by the Academic Department, Program, and/or College.
Cost
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
