Do I need a visa?

All international students need either a visa or immigration permission to study in the UK / Northern Ireland. The type of immigration permission you will require will depend on the duration of your studies and the passport that you hold.  Your Northern Ireland institution will provide further guidance about this – please read it carefully!  Information is also available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

If you arrive in the UK without the appropriate visa or immigration permission which permits you to study for the duration of your studies, you may not be allowed to register on your course until this is corrected.  In some cases, you may have to leave the UK in order to get your immigration permission corrected. Additional information about studying in the UK is available through The British Council website.

How do I get involved?

There are a number of ways in which students can get information about the program. If your school is currently hosting a student from Northern Ireland who is participating in the Study USA program, that individual can be a great wealth of information about life in Northern Ireland. You can also view information about opportunities for engagement in Northern Ireland on The British Council website and the Queens University website.

What are the IAS Program requirements?

Interested students should be in good academic standing at their home institutions with a minimum of a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. (Note that a GPA of 3.19 is not acceptable.) Interested students must also:

• Complete an application form and submit that form along with an academic transcript through their most recent semester,
• Submit a 500-word essay describing the student’s educational objectives while studying in Northern Ireland and
• Submit two letters of reference—preferably one from the student’s academic advisor and one from a faculty member or administrator at the applicant’s home institution.

How long will I actually be abroad?

Participants can apply to study for one semester or one academic year. As placements are limited, those who apply for a full year may only be offered one semester. Placement in the spring semester is limited. You are encouraged to review the academic calendar for each of the schools you are considering to learn more about specific start and end dates for international students.

Will I be the only American student in Northern Ireland?

This is very unlikely; often multiple Irish American Scholars will be placed at the same institution where you are studying. Also, many other IAS students–and other study abroad students from the U.S.–are likely to be studying in Northern Ireland while you are there.

What is the currency in Northern Ireland?

The British pound. To better understand the conversion of U.S. Dollars to British Pounds, visit the UK’s currency website.

If students decide to travel south of the boarder in their free time the Euro is the currency in the Republic of Ireland.

Which airports can I use?

Due to immigration and visa controls, IAS participants must fly into a UK airport. Belfast is serviced by two airports: Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City airport. While it is unlikely to find a direct flight from a U.S. airport to either of these options, you can reach Belfast through a number of other larger cities, such as London or Amsterdam. Note that as an international student, you are not permitted to land in the Republic of Ireland and travel by bus or train to Belfast.

Where will I live?

There are many options for living arrangements for Irish American scholars. Detailed information can be found through the websites of the participating Northern Ireland institutions.

What are classes like?

Different. Class sizes are generally larger (depending on institution and program of study). Students generally attend lectures followed by optional tutorials. There is greater independence and a much stronger focus on essay-based assessments. Students from the U.S. should be disciplined learners who are able to manage their time effectively.

What if I still have questions?

Easy. Visit the Contacts page to identify the denominational representative who works with your college or university. Just drop that person an email message or go old school and call them directly.