<p>I'm trying to choose where to study abroad next spring. Right now, Im focusing on Ireland.</p>
<p>I am looking at DCU and IPA because of their internship opportunities (and these seem to be the two best universities that my school, Northeastern, has programs withthe other options are University College Dublin and University of Limerick, neither of which has internship options). </p>
<p>I'm really leaning towards DCU's CIEE program. Their internships are with lots of volunteer and non-governmental organizations. I'm really interested in the History and Culture of Modern Ireland comprehensive required course, which includes four modules: Contemporary Irish Politics, Irish History from 1900, Irish Literature, and Irish Culture and Heritage. If I understand correctly, I take four courses (one of which would be the internship) in addition to these four modules. Within these modules, there are weekend field trips and day trips (to the Kerry-Cork region, the Galway and Connemara regions, and Belfast). The course description also says that in the Northern Ireland module, students travel to Belfast (but Im confused because this module wasnt mentioned previously in the course description). </p>
<p>However, IPA has the (guaranteed?) internship with the Irish Parliament. Im an International Affairs major who intends on working with a nonprofit or social business (Im minoring in Social Entrepreneurship). But this would be my one opportunity to work in a government setting, which I think would be a great experience for me, even if that is not my intended career path. But, all four courses I would take there seem to be pre-determined: Major Anglo-Irish Writers, 20th Century Irish History, Social Structures of Ireland, and Internship. (This is similar to the CIEE required courses at DCU, but at that university Id be able to take additional classes.) There is also a potential weeklong field trip to the European continent to visit the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters in Brussels and Paris. There is also a visit to Belfast. But trips are not necessarily offered every semester. One of the biggest draws of the IPA program is that its a home stay with all breakfasts and dinners included, which would save me a ton of money.</p>
<p>I would pay standard Northeastern tuition for both programs, so theyre the same price.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with either of these? I would greatly appreciate any advice! I am definitely planning on traveling around Europe (before, during, and/or after), so I do need to be very mindful of how I spend my money.</p>