Study Abroad

Belfast Ireland Abroad

Study Abroad

Your adventure starts here!

Ready to explore the world, experience new cultures, make unforgettable memories, and take your education beyond the classroom?

We have study abroad opportunities all over the World and in every semester, as well as during breaks. It is open to ALL students!

Whether you have always dreamed of traveling internationally or are just starting to think about it, this could be your chance to experience something truly unforgettable. The Office of Global Engagement offers a variety of short-term faculty-led programs, as well as semester- and year-long programs, that let you engage with a new culture while studying abroad, enroll in courses that provide new insights, and explore the world.

Don’t just dream about seeing the world. Make it part of your college experience!

Where will your education take you?

Current Offerings

Belize

  • Open to OT/DPT Majors
  • Winter Break 2026-2027
  • January 8-17, 2027
  • Price: $2,897
  • Contact: Robin Zappin
      

Dingle, Ireland

  • NUR 299: Transcultural Nursing in Ireland
  • May 22-June 7, 2027
  • $4,735, not including airfare and fees
  • Contact: Angela Salio
     

Dingle, Ireland

  • Open to OT/AT Majors
  • Spring Break 2027
  • Price: TBA
  • Contact: Thomas Franek
     

Florence, Italy

  • Food, Health and Wellness in Italy – 3 credits toward Language and Global Cultures
  • June 28 – July 16, 2027
  • Price: $4,800, not including airfare
  • Contact: Dr. Linda Roy
     

Belfast, Northern Ireland

  • Open to all students, “St. Mary’s University College International Summer School”
  • First week of August
  • Price: $2,500, not including flight
  • Contact: Pearl Leung

USAC offers multiple locations in over 14 countries for everything from gen eds to core courses in a variety of fields of study. Programs are available for the semester or the summer. Learn more about the organization.

Year-round opportunities for most majors in quaint Dingle, Ireland. Learn more about the options.

Spend a summer in the beautiful, bustling city of Florence, Italy while earning business or gen ed credits. Learn more about the university.

Important Deadlines

  • Fall Semester Programs: April 1, Alvernia application deadline
  • Winter Session Programs: Sept. 1, Alvernia application deadline
  • Spring Semester Programs: Sept. 1, Alvernia application deadline
  • Summer Session Programs: Feb. 1, Alvernia application deadline
     

How to Apply

To apply to a study abroad program, students must meet with Director of Global Engagement Pearl Leung, MS, to discuss program fees/costs and review the application process. For more information, contact Pearl Leung at pearl.leung@alvernia.edu.

Students Assisi Abroad

Real World Learning Awards

Alvernia offers Real-World Learning Awards to financially assist students for a variety of experiential opportunities, without reducing the amount of financial aid a student already has been awarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Financial Aid Available?

Limited, need-based scholarship assistance may be available from a variety of sources. The Office of Global Engagement can help you research available scholarship funds. There may be an option to apply for additional or increased loans to cover travel costs if necessary. Students are invited to apply for a Real-World Learning Award when applying abroad on the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement website. A list of external study abroad scholarships and grants can be found at GoAbroad.com.

How Far Ahead Should I Plan?

At least 6 months ahead, although in some cases you can complete all the applications faster to meet deadlines for both Alvernia University and the host program.

Can I Go with a Friend or with a Group?

You apply to your choice of program as an individual. Sometimes a friend can be accepted into the same program, but often students like the challenge of studying abroad independently and meeting people from other cultures. But you are not alone; you are housed with other international students and often American students, in a variety of pre-approved university housing choices, and in-country residence staff are available at all times.

I never studied abroad before. Does that matter?

No. You will be given resources to prepare yourself well for this experience by both our Global Engagement Staff and also receive a comprehensive orientation by our program partners. Most people studying abroad have a very positive experience even if it is their first time overseas!

I have a lot of questions and maybe some concerns. What should I do?

Please make an appointment with the Director of Global Engagement Pearl Leung, MS. We will work with you to guide you through this process and help you identify a program that works for you! Also, we will help you transition back to campus and integrate your experiences back into your resume and classes upon your return. Buon Viaggio!

 

Belize
  • Open to OT/DPT Majors
  • Winter Break 2026-2027
  • January 8-17, 2027
  • Price: $2,897
  • Contact: Robin Zappin
Dingle, Ireland
  • NUR 299: Transcultural Nursing in Ireland
  • May 22-June 7, 2027
  • $4,735, not including airfare and fees
  • Contact: Angela Salio
Dingle, Ireland
  • Open to OT/AT Majors
  • Spring Break 2027
  • Price: TBA
  • Contact: Thomas Franek
Florence, Italy
  • Food, Health and Wellness in Italy – 3 credits toward Language and Global Cultures
  • June 28 – July 16, 2027
  • Price: $4,800, not including airfare
  • Contact: Dr. Linda Roy
Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Open to all students, “St. Mary’s University College International Summer School”
  • First week of August
  • Price: $2,500, not including flight
  • Contact: Pearl Leung