
New Northern Ireland Study Abroad Opportunity

Adventure Awaits... in Northern Ireland!
Imagine wandering through the rolling green hills of Northern Ireland, exploring ancient landmarks, and cycling across the bumpy, cobblestone streets of Belfast.
The Northern Ireland Studies program, offered each fall and spring semester through a joint partnership between George Fox and John Brown University, is a transformative experience deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history.
As part of the program, you will take courses in peacemaking and reconciliation, Irish history and culture, and other electives of interest. While there, you will reside in the historic, 19th-century Lakeside Manor, situated on four acres overlooking Willis Lake in the quiet suburbs of South Belfast. With Belfast a short bus ride away, you can venture to the city to visit the historical locations from your textbooks or sit down with friends for a cup of tea and biscuits. All meals are included in the program cost.

Add rich context to your study abroad experience, learning from professors like Billy Stevenson, whose violent childhood growing up in Northern Ireland led to his life’s work as a peacemaker. Read about his story here.
A variety of field trips are offered, including a visit to the Northern Ireland Assembly to ask the current party members questions about past and current politics. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle before jumping into the refreshing, 45-degree Herring Pond as part of the study abroad tradition.
This program is a perfect fit if you have a keen interest in Irish history and politics, or if you have the heart to explore new places. With an emphasis on peace and conflict, you will learn the tools of peacemaking in Northern Ireland and in your own life.
Fall and Spring Semester Options
Fall term, from September to December, is hosted and led by John Brown University, but only up to two George Fox students may attend.
The primary George Fox program takes place during spring term, from January to April. Hosted and led by George Fox and designed for George Fox students, a limited number of spaces in this spring program are open to students from any other university.
Your cost for the term is the same as George Fox tuition, room and board, plus about $1,500 (administrative fee, book rental, and flight). Note: 100% of your George Fox institutional aid and outside aid like Pell Grants apply.
Students with sophomore-, junior- or senior-level standing are eligible to enroll in Northern Ireland Studies.
Course Work
During the spring term study abroad trip, students from George Fox and other universities will earn transcribable George Fox credits for:
- Irish Lit (LITR 111)
- Irish Western Civ (HIST 111)
- Irish Art & Culture (ARTV/P 120)
- Peace & Reconciliation (SSCI 100)
- Christian Thought & Practice (THEO elective)
In addition, all students will earn a certificate in Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation.

Ready to Study Abroad?
Students must submit the general study abroad application before applying for the Northern Ireland Studies program.
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Start your study abroad application (Once in Canvas, click on "Enroll in Course" on the right side)
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Complete your Northern Ireland Studies application.
Summer Option
Cost and Dates
Dates: May 12 to June 23, 2023
Location: Lakeside Manor; Belfast, Northern Ireland UK
Cost: $5,500 for tuition (9 hours), room and board, book rental, and all site entrance fees
Students will purchase their own flight from U.S. to BHD airport in Belfast so they can travel from and return home directly. There is one four-day free weekend students can choose to travel in small groups. This will incur additional personal expense.
Course Work
- Irish Art & Culture (ART 2163)
- Christian Formation (BBL 2043)
- Humanities II (HST 2113)
- Intercultural Communication (ICS 2113)

Allison Spoelhof
When I applied for the program, I had no idea what to expect. What I quickly learned upon arrival is that Northern Ireland is a vastly beautiful country with a broken history. The people there care so deeply, and believe with such passion. Looking back, I miss that closeness of community. I wish for the ease of conversation with a stranger in a checkout line. It felt like the Belfast community had become home.
If you're up for leaning fully into Irish culture and adventure, you will LOVE this program. You get the chance to travel all around the countryside, meet wonderful people within your program (from colleges all over the U.S.), be taught by Irish locals, and learn so much from the Northern Irish community. I loved my experience there and would gladly hop back on a plane back to Belfast if I had the chance.
Questions?
Drop by the Center for Study Abroad office and see us!

David Martinez, PhD
Associate Professor of Spanish
Director, Center for Study Abroad