The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland on a cloudy day

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Human Development and Family Sciences, Ireland

This is a 10-day program to Ireland to explore community services and societal influences on interpersonal relationships and families, such as education, religion, traditions, and immigration.

Each day of the program takes you to a new region of Ireland where you will meet local organizations and dig deep into Irish culture. You’ll also join guided tours of famous sights such as the Bunratty Castle, Ring of Kerry, and Cliffs of Moher.

Apply Now! Applications for Summer 2026 are now open. Apply by December 12 to participate.

Location

Dublin, Ireland; Kinvarra, Ireland; Killarney, Ireland

Term

Summer

Housing

Hotel

Program Highlights

From the famous cities of Dublin and Galway to lesser-known villages such as Kinvara, you’ll travel across the country to meet with local residents, family service providers, and related professionals. Through a carefully designed itinerary, you’ll be exposed to daily life and culture from centuries ago till present day.

Through this education abroad program, you will gain an understanding of how the landscape has shaped society and learn about traditions through sports and song. Each day you will interact with locals, immigrants, those with disabilities as well as the least privileged groups in Irish communities.

This course encourages you to develop a comparative analysis of interpersonal relationships and societal influences on families such as religion, traditions, history, immigration, and the economy.

APPLY NOW Schedule an Advising Appointment

Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7989

Important Dates & Billing

Program Dates: May 19 - 28, 2026

Application Deadline: December 12, 2025

Deposit Deadline: December 12, 2025

You can pay your $700 deposit online here:

Under "Categories" select "Student Travel Deposit: Education, Health, and Human Services"
Under "Items" select "Faculty-Led: Human Development & Family Science, Ireland"
From there, you can add the item to your cart and complete the payment.

Withdrawal/Commitment Deadline: February 10, 2026

Final Payment Deadline: The remainder of the program fee will be billed to your Kent State student account. The program fee deadline aligns with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center's summer due dates. You should refer to the first Summer due date.

Application Process

You will need to complete a Kent State Education Abroad application. These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a Kent State education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to Kent State University as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a Kent State University student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your study abroad program application, it will be reviewed by the faculty leader. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within one month.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to educationabroad.kent.edu and clicking LOGIN. Once you see the name of your program, you need to click on it and commit (i.e., accept your offer of admission).

Academics

Course Information

Course Name and CRN: HDF 42089 or HDF 52089—Human Development and Family Science International Experience

Number of Credit Hours: 3

KSU Sponsoring College: Education, Health, and Human Services

Course Description: This course provides a comparative analysis of interpersonal relationships and families across the centuries in Ireland and the U.S. We will explore societal influences on families such as religion, traditions, history, immigration, and the economy.

Faculty Contact Information

Professor's Name: Dr. Maureen Blankemeyer

Title: Associate Professor

Email: mblankem@kent.edu

Phone: 330-672-9397

Eligibility

You must be in good academic standing with an overall GPA of 2.5 or better for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students. Exceptions may be made with permission from the instructor.
Graduate students are required to take HDF 52089.

Program Language of Instruction: English.

Maximum Capacity: 20 students.

Tentative Itinerary

Below is a tentative itinerary; however, the exact sequence, sites, and departure city are subject to changes in availability and cost.

May 19:

Depart for Dublin, Ireland.

May 20:

Arrive in Dublin Airport and transfer to Kinvara.
Visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor. The adjacent Bunratty Folk Park is a living reconstruction of the homes and typical environment found in Ireland over a century ago. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.
Walk the Flaggy Shore, visit picturesque Dun Gaire Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of Galway Bay.
Finish the day with a group welcome dinner.

May 21:

Meet Aine Bird of the Burrenbeo Trust at the Kinvara Community Centre. Burrenbeo is a charity that engages with local and visiting communities, old and young, to generate a sense of informed pride in their heritage and landscape. They work tirelessly to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Burren. Burrenbeo Trust is an inclusive organization dedicated to shaping a brighter future for the Burren, its communities and all those who love this special place.
Visit a local school and meet the teachers and students there.
Visit the Dolmen Centre, part of Brothers of Charity Services Ireland. The Dolmen Centre supports people with intellectual disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives. A community-based service, they make crafts to sell locally at the Kinvara Farmers Market as well as run a pre-loved bookshop.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meet with Kinvara Tidy Towns and join them in their evening tasks of caring for and improving the village environment. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a cup of tea with the local volunteers and learn how Kinvara Tidy Towns seeks to collaborate with all members of the community to protect, maintain and enjoy this beautiful village.

May 22:

Depart by private motorcoach for the SCCUL Sanctuary, which was established in 2002 to help prevent and alleviate poverty and distress in Galway City and County. Nestled in over 100 acres of beautiful woodlands in the Kilcornan Estate of Clarinbridge, the SCCUL Sanctuary runs tailored therapeutic retreat days for community groups and individuals who are facing a crisis in their lives or who are in need of healing.
Depart for Galway City - free time to explore the city and get some lunch
Return to Kinvara, evening free

May 23:

Explore the Cliffs of Moher. Rising like a cathedral into the sky some 700 feet over the wild Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are a symbol of Ireland and are world-renowned for their beauty. The views from the Cliffs stretch as far as Galway Bay and the Aran Islands in Scotland.
Gaelic Games - spend the afternoon at the local GAA club, learn about and play the national sports of Gaelic Football and Hurling which are integral to Irish community life.
Evening of dinner and Irish music.

May 24:

Depart for Killarney. Travel via the Shannon ferry.
Evening free.

May 25:

Depart for full day excursion to Dingle and Slea Head, the most westerly part of Ireland.
At Dunquin, visit the Blasket Centre and learn about the traditional island life and literary legacy of the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands.
Evening free.

May 26:

Depart for Dublin.
Stop at the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most important historic sites. There, you will get the chance to see several medieval buildings: a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
Evening free

May 27:

Follow along on Secret Street Tours of Dublin to see the main sites and learn about the history, songs and stories of Ireland’s lively city. You’ll also learn about this non-profit organization that enlists people who have experienced homelessness to lead a walking tour of Dublin, sharing stories of cultural and historical landmarks of the city.
Visit to the National Traveller Women's Forum office in Temple Bar.
Free to explore Dublin
Farewell dinner.

May 28:

Depart for the U.S.

Location

Dublin, Killarney, and Kinvarra in Ireland

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Ireland is a European island divided into two countries: Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, which is not. The official languages are Irish and English. The currency is the euro in the Republic of Ireland and pound sterling in Northern Ireland.

The population of the Republic of Ireland consists of roughly 5 million people, and its capital is Dublin. Northern Ireland has a smaller population of about 1.9 million people, and its capital is Belfast. Students will spend their time in the Republic of Ireland, visiting Dublin as well as the cities of Killarney and Kinvara.

Dublin is one of the six UNESCO cities of literature, and it is the birthplace of the famous author Oscar Wilde. Literature runs all throughout the city and there are plenty of book festivals and world-class libraries. The city is also known for its wonderful museums, gardens, and huge celebrations around Saint Patrick.

Kinvara is a beautiful village in County Galway where students can appreciate the colorful streets full of local restaurants and pubs that represent traditional Irish cuisine. Your education abroad program will also include a visit to Dunguaire Castle, and a chance to explore the local farmers market.

With only 15,000 inhabitants, the town of Killarney is known for having over 50 pubs. Students will fall in love with the 19th-century colorful buildings and stunning national parks and gardens.

Transportation

As part of the program fees, the following costs are included: airfare, private bus transportation to program sites, and lodging. Students will be responsible for any optional transportation during their free time.

Airports

Students will travel roundtrip as a group via Cleveland Hopkins airport and Dublin International Airport. Students have the option to extend their trip at their own cost.

Housing & Meals

Accommodations

Hotel lodging is included in the program fees. Students will share hotel rooms with classmates, unless extra payment is made for single accommodation.

Meals

All breakfasts and four dinners are included in the program fees. Students should bring money for lunches, four dinners, and optional snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are typically available upon request. If you have any food allergies, please inform us in advance.

Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Whether your disability is visible or invisible, Education Abroad is committed to making educational experiences abroad possible for you. Early disclosure of personal needs and an open mind to different programs, locations, and services can help you identify the best opportunities abroad.

Things to Consider

What types of physical, academic, and mental health resources and accommodations are available in my host country?
What types of activities does this program involve? Will there be strenuous hiking? Will we be walking long distances? Will we be carrying significant weight?
What is the housing like on this program? Will I be sharing a room or bathroom? Is there AC/heat?
What types of foods are available to me on this program? Will I be able to find meals that meet my dietary needs?
What types of transportation does this program use? Will I be navigating public transportation? Is public transportation accessible?
What is the climate like in my host country? Will there be extreme heat or cold?
Are my medications controlled or banned abroad? Are there regulations on traveling with my medications, service animal, etc.?
Are there prescriptions that I need to fill before I leave? What medications are available abroad? Is there a refrigerator to store my medication if needed?
How does my host country view my disability?
How do accessibility regulations in my host country differ from the US? (Ex.) Are ramps, elevators, tactile markings, etc. required/available?
Can I use my US medical devices in my host country? Is the voltage different? Will my equipment fit through a standard door (height/width) in my host country?
If there are overnight field trips outside of my typical housing for the program, is it possible to maintain the same housing accommodations I may require?

Resources

Student Accessibility Services

Diversity Abroad

Mobility International USA

ISEP's Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Abroad page

The U.S. State Department's Traveling with Disabilities page

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on Kent State University-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most Kent State scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the U.S. Department of State website.

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for information about any vaccinations you may need or health and safety tips for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

Get Cost Estimate

Emma Guritza

Human Development and Family Sciences Minor

“If you’re feeling anxious about going abroad, I suggest you acknowledge that and realize that if you can get out and go abroad, you can do anything! I was really glad that I was able to do a short program because it made it less intimidating for me. There are so many different programs, so explore your options and take advantage of the opportunity if you can!”

Your Journey is Just Beginning

Apply Now Make an Appointment Before You Go