Quality Distinctives of the JBU Irish Studies Program

1. Academic Experience
2. Price
3. On-Site Staff
4. Pre-Departure Orientation
5. Airport Reception
6. On-Site Orientation
7. Medical Insurance
8. "Place as Text"
9. Independent Travel
10. Transfer Credit
11. Internship & Volunteer Opportunities

Academic Experience
“The Irish Studies Program has added a new dimension to JBU's academic reputation, and according to reports from students and parents; it is the reason some students are choosing to come to JBU. I have seen the excitement created in the students by their experience in Ireland and have been impressed with the results of the hands-on learning that takes place there. Our program would be hard to beat anywhere in the country.”
Dr. Gary Guinn, Professor of English Literature

Price
Travel costs, tuition, room and board are critical to any international program. By negotiating group discounts, signing contracts with the Irish faculty JBU is able to offer a quality educational experience abroad at price students can afford.

On-Site Staff
Qualified members of the JBU faculty are present for the duration of the Irish Studies Program. Their top priority is to ensure that we provide an educational experience and that our students are healthy, safe and having a positive experience. Our Irish Faculty include Dr. Patrick who taught in the program since it’s beginning in 1997, and Dr. Hadden Wilson, who has taught since 1999.

Pre-Departure Orientation
JBU students participating in the Irish Studies Program receive extensive pre-departure information as well as maps, passport and visa information. All participants are provided with country handbooks that describe sites, conditions, and features unique to Ireland. The team meets with Bill and Mindi Stevenson during the spring semester to cover a variety of topics designed to prepare them for their trip.

Airport Reception
Our main concerns are the success, safety and comfort of our students. In order to make them feel welcome in Ireland, JBU students are greeted at the designated airport and transported to their housing by a JBU staff member.

On-Site Orientation
We believe that an extensive orientation is an integral part of the Irish Studies Program. Upon arrival, students participate in an orientation organized by JBU, during which they spend time exploring the local area and getting to know each other as well as the JBU on-site director.

Medical Insurance
JBU provides a comprehensive medical insurance plan for all students who enroll. The policy covers a maximum of $250,000 for any illness or accident abroad. Coverage includes most medical expenses, emergency evacuation and a full range of 24-hour medical assistance services. Medical insurance can also be extended past the length of the study abroad program for an additional fee.

"Place as Text"
Our goal is to use Ireland as “place as text,” therefore, we organize group excursions that allow them to broaden their cultural awareness and briefly escape the pressures of the classroom. Our excursions are carefully designed to complement the academic curriculum and cultural experience of each student. Every JBU excursion includes transportation, accommodations, admission fees, meals and a tour guide.

“Studying in a country like Ireland is one of the richest, most intellectually challenging and spiritually stimulating experiences that students, faculty and staff can have. It is the perfect example of the concept of "place as text," for our students not only read about our ancient Christian roots there in Ireland, but they actually climbed a sixth century monastic tower.”
Cary Balzer, Instructor of Biblical Studies

Independent Travel
In addition to the JBU-sponsored excursions that are included in the program price, students have the opportunity to travel independently during their free time. The on-site director must approve all independent excursions. This option allows students to see sites and attend events that interest them personally.

Transfer Credit
JBU provides academic credit that is arranged in advance and meets the student’s individual curricular needs. Before departure from the United States, JBU offers advice to non-JBU students on how to ensure proper transfer of academic credit they will earn will in Ireland. Extension of the program to include both JBU and non-JBU students enhance both its diversity and external marketability.

Internship & Volunteer Opportunities
International internship opportunities can be arranged in various locations and in various disciplines with the help of the International Programs Office. Internships and volunteer service, especially when rendered abroad, greatly enhance résumé and career qualifications. Several students have already participated in excellent internships in Ireland in the areas of engineering, business, and political science, including three who have received summer internships at the Northern Irish Parliament!

“The Irish Studies Program has had a positive impact on the lives of students in the Division of Business at John Brown University. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to see several of our students participate in the Irish Studies program, including one who completed a summer internship in the Irish Parliament. These students have had an incredible opportunity to participate in high-quality academic programs in experiential settings. I have seen our students return from their Irish Studies Program experience with significantly enhanced self-image and self-confidence. In addition to learning course content, they develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of God’s world. The Irish Studies Program is a true asset to JBU, and I hope that it is a model for more such programs.”
Joe F. Walenciak, Ph.D., Chairman, Division of Business

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