Location

Galway, Ireland

Program Description

This experience is designed to meet the requirements of the Principles of Marketing (MKTG 380) and Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management (MGT 305) courses that comprise 6 credit hours of the Business Minor. Students will meet with the cohort for one week of classes on campus at JMU prior to traveling to Ireland. Once there, additional class time will be hosted at the University of Galway and will include planned excursions to Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, and Dublin.

The coursework, case studies, and group field trips will highlight the interconnectivity of Marketing and Management functions within organizations, with special attention paid to global industry applications in Hospitality Management, Sport and Recreation Management, and Health Services Administration, specifically.

Location Description

Picturesque and iconic historical landmarks provide the backdrop to studying business topics with a global twist. JMU has a longstanding history of cooperative studies with the University of Galway, and this experience for Business minors will foster an opportunity to bond with a small class cohort in one of the most engaging, tourist and walker-friendly cities in Ireland.

The primary coursework and lectures will be conducted in classrooms hosted by the University of Galway. Special day-trips will be facilitated within Galway City limits as well as to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. A site visit to Dublin will offer an optional overnight stay.

Director

Cathleen Snyder | snydercs@jmu.edu | College of Business

Michael Yankey | yankeymd@jmu.edu | College of Business

Accommodations

The University of Galway dormitories will be utilized to house students during the stay. The dormitories are configured in 6-bedroom/6-bathroom units, with a mix of single and double beds available. No student shall be required to share a bedroom, but living/dining/kitchen spaces are shared. Dormitory spaces are within easy walking distance of campus classrooms and city center shopping & dining. Faculty directors will be on site as well.

Several goup meals are included in the program fee and students will be given a weekly food stipend to use throughout the experience. Students can supplement that allowance at their expense and discretion, but grocery shopping is accessible, and breakfast/lunches can be covered reasonably with minimal pre-planning.

Students should investigate international call plans with their service providers in advance of travel and ensure their passports are not within 6 months of expiration prior to the end date of the experience. Linens are provided by the host University.

Additional Items to Consider

Some coursework is required prior to departure. We plan to onboard students and front-load some of the core class material so that when we arrive in Ireland, we are adding an experiential component to existing knowledge. Students may be more capable of asking course-relevant questions and reflect on the experiences accordingly.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5.

Open to sophmores, juniors, and seniors in all majors

Preference will be given to those that have declared the General Business Minor. Others will be considered on a space-available basis.

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
• List of Academic References
• Interview with Program Director required
• Unofficial transciprt required

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.