Study Abroad FAQs for Westport, Ireland

When is the application deadline?

December 1.

Do we have to pay the program payment in one lump sum?

You will pay in four installments. Two weeks after the application deadline, a $500 program deposit is due (which amount goes toward the total program fee). After that payment is complete, the remainder of the program fee is broken up into 3 payments due at different times. Please contact the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@iona.edu) for specific due dates.

Does Iona have any scholarships available for students to participate in this program?

 At the moment, we do not.

What is included in the program fee and what is not?

The program fee includes the following: 

• ground transportation to all excursions; 
• coach bus transportation to class on all days except two; 
• entrance fees to all excursions; 
• daily breakfast; 
• daily dinner; 
• daily lunch on days when classes end at 4 p.m.; 
• and student accommodations. 

Students also have access to a washing machine in their shared apartments. The program fee does not include the following: round trip airfare; summer tuition; and the mandatory CISI International Health and Repatriation insurance. To purchase that insurance, students who complete their application will have access to a payment link and the payment date for the $52 insurance fee, along with all other program fee payment links.

Where & when do we take classes?

You will attend classes at Westport House, a beautiful, historic building around 20-min walking distance from your living accommodations. Classes are from 9 A.M.-noon. and 1-4 P.M., with a lunch break from noon-1 P.M.

Do we have to attend all excursions?

Students are expected to attend all excursions except the “adventure park” where they will have the option to attend or not.

Do we have any free time?

Yes, time outside of class and excursions is your free time where you can explore Westport.

What are the living accommodations?

Students will be placed in a double or single room in an apartment-style accommodation. Please email studyabroad@iona.edu for more information.

Can we pick our roommates?

Yes; however, if someone does not select a roommate or there is an “extra” student, that student will be randomly placed with another person of their same sex.

What if I get sick while in Ireland?

Students studying abroad are required to purchase International Health and Repatriation insurance through the Iona Study Abroad Office at the rate of $52. If a student falls ill, they are encouraged to call the number on the back of their insurance card to find the closest in-network hospital/doctor’s office. If it is an emergency, students are to either call 112 (the Irish equivalent of 911) and/or inform an Iona staff member so that they can immediately be brought to the hospital. Students will either pay for their treatment upfront and then submit a claim through insurance for reimbursement or visit a location in-network, where the insurance will pay costs upfront.

Are all meals included?

Daily breakfast is included and is provided at your living accommodations. Daily dinner is provided as well at a local restaurant where students are able to order any menu item(s) that total €35 or less. On the days when students are in class from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., there will be a light lunch provided during their one-hour lunch break (noon-1 p.m.).

What if I have food allergies or other dietary restrictions?

Students are allowed to look at the menu and select any dish less than €35 that best fits their dietary needs. They are encouraged to speak to the waitstaff for dinner and breakfast and the Westport House staff for lunch, to inform them of any allergies.

Are students allowed to drink alcohol?

Students of legal drinking age are allowed to purchase alcohol with their own funds. All students must adhere to the Iona University Student Code of Conduct (Section B).

How do we do laundry?

A washing machine and dryer are available inside each apartment for students. Students will need to purchase their own laundry detergent.

Is there a gym?

Yes, students will have access to a gym located inside a nearby hotel.

There is a decent amount of walking done daily. Daily students walk between 20-30 min to dinner and back to their living accommodations. Students also walk when participating in different excursions. Iona will provide a shuttle that will pick up students from their living accommodations to bring them to class at the Westport House on all days except two. On those two days, the shuttle will be taking the NUR students to the hospital they are assisting. Students in a different class will take the beautiful walk 20-30 min to class and back—a great way to spend time with one another and reflect on the lessons of the day.

What is the weather like?

In May, it will likely be cloudy with a chance of rain, and the temperature reaches around 60º F as a high temp and 43º F as a low.

What kind of clothes should we pack?

Please pack enough clothes to last a week, as laundry can be done once weekly. Pack clothes that you can wear in layers. This way if you get warm, you can peel off the layers and remain comfortable. Pack comfortable walking shoes and raingear. Remember that while in class, on excursions and when at dinner, you are representing Iona University, so wear outfits that best reflect this representation.

What is the town of Westport like?

It is a very charming town with many restaurants, pubs, clothing stores, ice cream shops, and cafes. https://www.iona.edu/about-iona-university/iona-ireland

Is Westport racially/ethnically diverse?

A town of roughly 7,000 mainly Irish residents, there is not much racial or ethnic diversity in Westport when compared to most metropolitan areas of the U.S. Nevertheless, the people of Westport have consistently been very welcoming to all Gaels.

What airport is best or closest to Westport?

Shannon Airport (SNN) is the closest to Westport. Students who choose to fly into SNN by 6am will be picked up by a coach bus to bring them to Westport with a stop made in the village of Knock for breakfast on the way. There is only one direct flight daily from JFK to SNN on Aer Lingus.

Can we easily use credit/debit cards in Westport?

Yes. Most establishments accept debit and/or credit cards. There are also banks where you can use their ATM to take out cash/euros. Conversion rates may apply, so please check your bank and/or credit card policies for details.

Do you need an international cell phone plan while in Westport?

Yes. This way family and Iona staff can get in contact with you even when you are not connected to wi-fi. Please contact your cellular service provider for offers and details.

Is there wi-fi available where we will be taking classes and living?

Yes.

Can our families come visit us?

Students are more than welcome to extend their stay in Westport beyond the scope of the program and have family visit them during this time. It is best that families do not visit students during the program time, as students typically will not have much time to spend with them.

Do we need to bring Irish power adapters?

Yes, please bring a US – UK power adapter (Type G power adapter).

Do I need to pack sheets, towels, blankets?

No, these items will be provided