Study Abroad

Semester Programmes

Semester students typically take 60 CATS or 15 US Credits and can choose from a wide range of classes, including liberal arts, education, childhood studies, health and exercise science, theology and biblical studies.

Short Programmes

Bespoke short courses are available in our core academic areas, alongside a number of interdisciplinary programmes, e.g. Irish literature and culture; health and education; youth studies; community development; and the arts, media and culture.  These modules can be combined with a range of internship and service learning opportunities in local schools or youth and community organisations. Our International Team are keen to hear from US colleges and universities interested in developing tailored programmes for their students in Belfast. We are able to provide packages which may include tuition, cultural experiences and on-site catered accommodation. Contact us at international@stran.ac.uk

Partners

The College collaborates with a number of US colleges and universities and our Study Abroad Team are always keen to hear from new partners interested in developing tailored programmes for their students in Belfast.

Testimonials

INSTITUTE FOR STUDY ABROAD (IfSA)

The student experience, from our perspective, is second to none and I really appreciate that.  Students get an opportunity to take modules that outline local pedagogy and culture and work in a classroom to apply the theory they are learning directly.  The Stranmillis programme allows students from an academic field that does not always support study abroad to live and learn in Northern Ireland and really accelerates them in their own education and future careers.  Having worked with the team at Stranmillis for the past decade, I can say that they provide excellence in academics, student support and our experience has been one of open communication and partnership.  The programmes we collaboratively design for students and schools in the US are bespoke and responsive to their needs, providing all that the student, school and state licensing bodies want from their semester in Northern Ireland.  Belfast is vibrant, budget-friendly and welcoming to our students and the considered care, along with the expertise they have access to at Stranmillis, makes their semester one to remember.

Suzi Breslin , IfSA Director – Ireland Programmes

GLOBAL TEACHERS GATEWAY – OVERSEAS PROGRAM FOR EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

‘I definitely think that my time here at Stranmillis and at Wellington College, has changed my perception of education, and the various forms that education can (and does) take in different countries around the world. But overall, the biggest gains that I made here in Northern Ireland are personal. Part of the reason that I wanted to do this program in the first place is that I figured it would allow me to learn about the culture by engaging in the typical tourist activities while also interacting with locals on a daily basis, and I’m pleased to say that I’ve done just that. I definitely think that this experience has changed my worldview (for the better), and I can’t wait to see where these new ideas and perspectives will lead.’

Shaylin Montgomery in connection with Indiana University, Summer 2023

FOUR WEEK STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE

‘As part of my Study Abroad experience, for the past four weeks, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be placed 2 days per week in a P4 classroom at St. Brides Primary School in Belfast Northern Ireland. I was definitely anxious for this placement, anticipating it to be very different from past experiences and because I was new to the school. Everyone at this school was amazing and I am so grateful for this opportunity. From the moment I stepped in they could not be more welcoming. Everyone wanted to get to know me and what I was to do here, and where I had come from. There was not one person who did not go out of their way to introduce themselves, just to give me another friendly face. The staff were lovely to work with. It was great to observe good teaching and I believe this has taught me so many things. It was nice to have a Teaching Assistant in the room to be able to see things from her perspective as well. The pupils were very well behaved and extremely respectful, making it sad when it was time to say goodbye. Overall this was a great experience and I would be honored to make my way back there sometime.  

I attended lectures on Special Educational Needs (SEN) of pupils and also classes on Northern Ireland Culture. The Bus Tour around Belfast was excellent, covering political and social aspects of the city and it’s heritage and met weekly with the Study Abroad Course Co-ordinator Mrs Lois Totton.