Freshman Seminar in Galway & Cork, Ireland

Summer 2009 closed

On campus orientation: July 21 - July 23, 2009
On site in Ireland: July 24 - August 5, 2009

On-campus follow-up meetings throughout fall semester 2009

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Study Abroad

What's this seminar about?

Spend time on the Western side of Emerald Isle and experience the vibrant cultural cities, friendly people, historic castles, and beautiful national parks of the Republic of Ireland. This exciting seminar takes place in the cities of Cork and Galway, the home of Irish youth and artistic culture. This seminar offers coursework designed specifically for first-year students, with two themes: "Health and Healthcare in Ireland: How health practices impact individuals and communities" and "From Womb to Tomb in Ireland". Students will engage in experiential activities that transform Ireland into a classroom, as they think about issues facing an increasingly interconnected world.

Where does it take place?

The seminar splits its time between Cork and Galway, Ireland 's cultural capitals. These cities offer a good balance by showcasing Ireland's second and third larges cities, while offering close proximity to Ireland's rural small towns and scenic beauty. Students will also have a chance to visit several national parks and historic sites.

What can I study?

Students earn two credits for UGS 102 and receive a numeric (4.0-scale) grade for their work. Credit earned in UGS 102 counts as elective credit, regardless of students' major or area of interest (although some majors may allow the course to fulfill a requirement). UGS 102 is designed to provide students with an introduction to scholarship and inquiry in international contexts. Special disciplinary-based topics are focused to develop intercultural abilities and deepen international understandings.

Students will enroll in one of the two thematic tracks. Enrollment in these tracks will be on a first-come, first-served basis with every effort being made to give students their first preference.

1. Health and Healthcare in Ireland: How health practices impact individuals and communities

Health is defined by culture, and is manifested in the daily life of a society through values, beliefs, health practices, family systems, finances, politics, education, arts, and the environment. In addition, the ongoing issues of access, quality, and cost of healthcare affect the health of individuals and communities and have an impact on the economy and the quality of life of a society.  In this seminar we will have the chance to explore health policies and practices that affect health and the healthcare system in Ireland and in the USA.

2. Track 2: From Womb to Tomb in Ireland

Have you ever imagined what your life would have been like if your family had lived in a different country? Learn about lifespan development from the perspective of those growing up and growing old in Ireland! Explore what life is like now and study what it has been like through the centuries on the Emerald Isle. This track introduces you to theories of developmental psychology and gives you the opportunity to integrate your own life experiences with these theories. We start our journey in Ireland learning about prenatal care and birth, move through the years of childhood and adolescence, eventually discussing issues of adulthood, and finally the end of life. The cities of Cork, Cobh, and Galway serve as backdrops for observational opportunities relating to our seminar. Experience the beauty of County Kerry, the breathtaking views of the Gap of Dunloe, and see the ripples across Serpent Lake where the very last snake in Ireland is said to be banished! Then notice how the pace of life is rapidly changing for those families living in this rural area and the implications it has for intergenerational relationships. This track will include some walking tours, buggy rides, and hiking.

To be eligible, applicants must have first-year freshman status at Michigan State University beginning in fall 2009 AND have paid their Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED). That is, a student must be admitted to and attending MSU for the first time as a full-time college student during the 2009-10 academic year.

It is strongly recommended that students apply early as acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis and the program may fill to capacity (30 students per program) before the priority application deadline.

Applicants' participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for seminar participation.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email Mr. Jim Lucas.

Where will I live?

In Cork, students will stay in apartments at the University College Cork. Apartments vary in size from three to five bedrooms-most of which are single occupancy and have their own bathrooms. Breakfast is provided.

In Galway, students will be housed at Corrib Village, part of the National University of Ireland, Galway. Breakfast is provided.

Laundry facilities are available at all locations.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dr. Patricia Lambert
International Studies and Programs
Phone: (517) 355-2350

Patricia Lambert is the Assistant to the Dean of International Studies and Programs. She transferred to ISP from the MSU College of Nursing. Prior to her appointment as the Director of Outreach and Education Technology in the MSU College of Nursing she was the Director of the Nursing Programs at Lansing Community College. She has taught in-person and online courses to undergraduate and graduate student nurses. Her global healthcare teaching, service, and study abroad span the countries of Japan, China and Mexico. While in China Patricia worked with Zhejiang University in Hangzhou Province to develop and implement a system of distance education technology to deliver continuing education to nurses and doctors in the outlying areas of China. Patricia has one daughter, Anna, who lives and works in New York.

Dr. Cathleen McGreal
Department of Psychology
Phone: (517) 432-0736

Dr. Cathleen Erin McGreal is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of Online Programs in the Department of Psychology. In 2006 Dr. McGreal received awards for two of her courses in the Michigan State University AT&T Awards Competition in Instructional Technology: PSY 244: Child Development: Infant to Childhood and PSY 344: Developmental Psychology: Adolescence-Youth. She has taught Freshman Seminars in Dublin-Cork and in Cork-Galway and is looking forward to meeting the incoming students from the Class of 2009 who will be studying in Ireland this year. She also teaches Psych 101 (Introduction to Psychology), Psych 236 (Personality), Psych 320 (Health Psychology), and ISS 318 (Lives Across Cultures). Dr. McGreal writes the column, The Parenting Journey, for Faith Publishing Services. She and her husband, Kerry, have four children: Erin, Kaiti, Ryan, and Shannon.

Our program assistant again this year will be Mr. Dan King, who has worked for MSU for approximately 14 years, with 12 of those years as an undergraduate academic adviser for the College of Engineering. Dan earned both his BA and MA degrees from Michigan State University. During his time with the College of Engineering he has traveled with MSU study abroad students to Russia and served as the College's coordinator for the MSU/University of Surrey Exchange Program, visiting the University of Surrey to meet with MSU study abroad students and to work toward further development of the MSU /Surrey Exchange Program. Dan has also traveled to Germany and Austria on personal visits. Dan's son, Michael, studied abroad for a summer in South Africa while a student at MSU and his daughter, Allison, a current sophomore at MSU traveled on a previous Freshman Seminar Abroad Program in Mexico. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with family, attending sporting and musical events, regular exercise and playing tennis. Dan is very much looking forward to working with the Freshman Seminar Abroad Program in Ireland again this coming summer.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program's itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $2,940 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• overnight stay, meals and orientation program at MSU
• transportation (roundtrip travel from MSU campus to Detroit Metro Airport; round-trip airfare Detroit-Dublin/Shannon-Detroit)
• lodging while in Ireland
• some meals while in Ireland
• books and academic resources
• excursions and field trips
• accident and sickness insurance

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• additional meals
• local transportation during free time
• passport application fee ($100)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for two credits. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU's Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the seminar, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Freshman Seminar Abroad (FSA) Scholarships

Students participating on an FSA program may be eligible for up to three awards created just for these programs. General information about the awards is available below.

Freshman Seminar Abroad Study Abroad Scholarships: The Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) offer a limited number of scholarships specifically for eligible FSA participants. In all cases, to be eligible for the award a student must be (1) admitted to MSU with their deposit paid, (2) have submitted their application to an FSA program, and (3) have on file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the MSU Financial Aid Office. Students must submit a scholarship application form.

Awards funded through the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) and Office of Financial Aid are for up to $2,000 toward the program fee (note: if the program fee is less than $2,000, then students will only be given an amount equal to the cost of the program fee). These scholarships are designated for Pell grant eligible students who have demonstrated high academic merit. The priority deadline for APUE awards is June 9, 2009.

Awards funded through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) are for $250, and require applicants to have a 2.5 GPA or above and demonstrate financial need. The deadline for OSA awards is June 9, 2009.

Please note that it may take several weeks after the deadlines to process and select the recipients of these awards.

Freshman Seminar Abroad Honors College Scholarship: MSU's Honors College offers a limited number of awards specifically for FSA participants who are also incoming Honors College students. Scholarships will be awarded by the Honors College to the first eligible students who register for each program, so apply early!

How do I apply?

The application is available online.

Once admitted into Michigan State University, you may submit your application to the MSU Office of Study in person, by fax, or by mail. A complete application requires your signature on the application form (and a parent's/guardian's signature, if you are under age 18 at the time of application). A $100 application fee is required. You will receive an electronic bill (e-bill) from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the application fee, which is applied to the cost of the seminar and is non-refundable once you accept admission into the seminar. If you are denied admission into the seminar, you will receive a full refund of the $100 application fee.

Deadlines for application depend on seminar departure dates and logistical planning, and applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

Faculty will accept students into seminars until they are full or logistical factors make it impossible to add additional participants. To increase your chances of being accepted into your desired seminar, you should apply as early as possible. Don't hesitate to contact us to find out if space is still available on the program of your choice.

Admission into these seminars minimally requires you maintain your status as an MSU freshman and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

You will be notified of your acceptance status by an official letter from the Office of Study Abroad. Participation is contingent on maintaining your status as admitted student for fall 2009. Your participation may be denied or your participation approval may be revoked if your conduct before departure raises doubts as to your suitability for seminar participation.

If admitted into a seminar, you will receive an official acceptance packet in the mail that includes a Decision Form, Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization, Statement of Responsibility, and a Travel Permission for Minors (required for participants under age 18 at the time of the seminar's departure). To confirm your admission into a seminar, you must sign and return the forms included in this packet to the Office of Study Abroad within two weeks of the date of your acceptance letter or you may lose your space in the seminar. Students admitted into a seminar less than six (6) weeks prior to the seminar's departure date must sign and return the forms upon receipt.

Once you return the forms indicating your acceptance of admission you will be billed a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit. This deposit will be posted and due on your student account and must be paid by the due date indicated on the e-bill. It will be applied to the program fee. If you do not pay the application fee and/or deposit by the due date indicated on the e-bill, the fees will accrue monthly late charges until paid in full.

Students who are wait-listed because a seminar is filled to capacity will not be billed the $200 deposit until formally accepted. The application fee will be refunded to wait-listed students who are unable to participate due to seminar space limitations.

Billing notification will be sent to your MSU e-mail account, so you must check it regularly! To activate your MSU e-mail account visit New Students: Activating your MSU NetID. This site will provide you with instructions on how to activate your account. You will then be able to view your bill and determine when payment is due.

Further details can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook available on line (including information about withdrawing from a seminar).

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

What's next?

Visit the OSA Web site

Check out the following Additional Resources:

Office of Financial Aid
252 Student Services

MSU Travel Clinic
East Circle Drive

Academic Advisers
Located in each individual college/department

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
120 Bessey Hall

Area Studies Centers
International Center

MSU Global Access
Information about the world - its regions and peoples and important international issues