George J. Mitchell Scholarship Exchange: Participating Irish Institutions
Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)
The Institute provides a comprehensive choice of courses and a wide range of disciplines:
- Business and Humanities
- Engineering
- Science
- Computing
- Art and Design
- Music
- Nautical Studies.
Approximately 17,000 full- and part-time students are pursuing credentials ranging from certificates to undergraduate and post-graduate degrees, including the PhD.
Bishopstown Campus
This is the main campus and the center for courses in business, engineering, information systems, science, social studies, tourism, and hotel and catering. CIT administrative offices, including the International Office, are located here as well. Campus facilities include lecture theaters equipped for multimedia teaching, computer suites, laboratories, workshops, studios, classrooms, athletic venues, the Library, Information Technology Center, and Student Union.
Cork School of Music*
CIT's Cork School of Music offers music education at the first, second, and third levels, including instrumental and vocal music teaching and an emphasis on performance. Many ensemble music-making opportunities are available to students. The school is associated with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, held each October.
Crawford College of Art and Design*
Located within walking distance of the center of Cork, Crawford College is a self-contained campus with recognized courses in fine art, ceramic design, and art and design education. Facilities include spacious studios and personal workspaces for students.
National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)*
NMCI is Ireland's only nautical college. Located in Ringaskiddy, just south of Cork, NMCI prepares students for careers in the Merchant Navy. Courses offered include marine engineering, shipbuilding, ocean navigation, seamanship, meteorology, personal survival, rescue, radar systems, and the International Code of Signals.
*Special entrance requirements
Cork Institute of Technology Programs of Study
For course information, see http://modules.cit.ie
School Calendar (approximate dates)
- First Semester: September to 3rd week of December
- Second Semester: February to end of May or beginning of June.
Exams are given at the end of each semester.
Accommodations
Modern apartment buildings nearby or in the City of Cork: single bedroom; share kitchen, bathroom, and lounge with 2-4 other students.
Single bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, shelving/storage space. Cookware, china, cutlery provided; bring towels and bed linen. Laundry facilities (washing machine).
May have Internet connection; electrical outlets carry 220 volts; bring adapters for Ireland (Europe uses a different plug).
Apartments are open during holidays.
Housing is arranged by the International Office.
Paid expenses are for a full academic year or prorated for the equivalent of one semester.
Tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board are covered. CIT provides a stipend to cover most meals and some out-of-pocket expenses. The Maine Community College System provides a $1,000 travel grant for MCCS scholars. Additional expenses will depend on travel costs and individual choices.
Transportation
Walk to campus or take public transport.
Students with Disabilities
Contact the International Office to see what accommodation can be made. (See also, Mobility International USA: www.miusa.org)
Transportation to and from Ireland
No direct flight US-Cork. Connect from London, Shannon, or Dublin. Bus from Shannon Airport to Limerick, then bus or train to Cork (total under 2hrs). Air, train, or bus Dublin-Cork.
Aer Lingus flies from major US cities to Dublin for connecting flights to Cork. Cork airport is six miles from city center and four miles from CIT.
Driving
Students must have an international driving license and adequate car insurance. Cars drive on the left side of the road; the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Most cars are standard-shift. Buying insurance is difficult and expensive. A car is not necessary, since Cork is pedestrian friendly and public transportation is available in Cork and throughout Ireland.
Healthcare
A doctor is available on campus weekdays for a modest charge. Counseling service is also available. Students must have their own US health insurance coverage for the duration of the exchange. Students should register with a General Practitioner on arrival. Medical charges in Ireland are generally less than those in the US.
Currency
September 2, 2009, exchange rate: 1 Euro=1.42 USD. (1 USD=.70 Euro). Note that the exchange rate will vary.
Opening a Bank Account
Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland have branches on campus. To open a bank account—required to receive your CIT stipend—you will need proof of address and passport or driver's license with photo.
University College Cork (UCC)
UCC was founded in 1845 by an Act of the British Parliament as Queen’s College Cork. One of Ireland's oldest institutes of higher learning, its location is thought to be connected with St. Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork. UCC is one of Ireland's leading research institutes, with over 16,000 students and over 2,000 international students from more than 80 countries around the world. University of Maine System George J. Mitchell scholars may take courses in these disciplines:
- Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences
- Business and Law
- Medicine and Health
- Science, Engineering, and Food Science
Academic Calendar (approximate dates)
First Teaching Period: Late September to mid-December, followed by exam week
Second Teaching Period: Early January to early April, followed by exam week
Accommodations
Apartment-style complexes close to campus: furnished, mostly single rooms (some double or twin) with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Bring bed linen and duvet/quilt. May have laundry facilities.
Apartments may have Internet connection. Electrical outlets carry 220 volts; bring adapter(s) for Ireland.
Open during holidays.
Housing is arranged by the Accommodation Office.
Paid expenses are for a full academic year or prorated for the equivalent of 1 semester.
Tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board are covered. UCC provides a stipend to cover most meals and some out-of-pocket expenses. The University of Maine System provides a $1,000 travel grant for its scholars. Additional expenses will depend on travel costs and individual choices.
Transportation
Busses operate to and from campus; trains and inter-city busses are available out of Cork.
Students with Disabilities
Confidential support is available from the Disability Support Officer (DSO). Contact the International Office about special validation needed to register with the DSO.
Transportation to and from Ireland
No direct flight US-Cork. Connect from London, Shannon, or Dublin. You can take a bus from Shannon Airport to Limerick, then a bus or train to Cork (total under 2hrs). There are air, train, and bus connections between Dublin and Cork.
Aer Lingus flies from major US cities to Dublin for connecting flights to Cork. Cork airport is 6 miles from city center.
Driving
Students must have an international driving license and adequate car insurance. A car is not necessary, since Cork is pedestrian friendly and public transportation is available in Cork and throughout Ireland.
Cars drive on the left side of the road; the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Most cars are standard-shift. Buying insurance is difficult and expensive.
Healthcare
Health and counseling services for students are provided during UCC office hours. Service does not cover hospitalization or prescription charges. Students should register with a General Practitioner for doctor availability after hours. Payment is fee-for-service. Students must have their own private health insurance coverage for the duration of the exchange.
Currency
September 2, 2009, exchange rate: 1 Euro=1.42 USD. (1 USD=.70 Euro). Note that the exchange rate will vary.
Opening a Bank Account
Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland have branches on campus. To open an account, proof of address and a passport or other proof of identity is required.