O'Neill in Ireland

June 9 - June 25, 2025

V482/V582 – Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution (3cr.)

Program Director: Gary Branham

This three-credit hour course integrates theories of conflict and dispute resolution with an analysis of differences in dimensions of culture including religion, values, identity, worldviews and language. Applied learning will focus on cross-cultural conflicts between individuals, within organizations, and between nations with emphasis on “The Troubles” of Northern Ireland. You will be exposed to a variety of ways culture impacts communication, negotiation and other dispute resolution processes. Additionally, you will look at the reconciliation process and the key challenges in transforming personal, social and structural relationships that have been damaged or destroyed by conflict.

IU Bloomington Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.

• Glendalough, a sixteenth century monastic settlement in the Wicklow Mountains
• Belfast - Talks with former militants, practitioners in reconciliation, and scholars; excursions to the physical remains of the conflict, including the "peace walls," memorials, murals and other sites of historical significance during "The Troubles"
• Experience Gaelic Games Program - opportunity to learn about Irish culture through Gaelic games and Irish folk dancing
• Spend several days exploring Londonderry.
• Giant's Causeway Tour from Belfast

While in Dublin, you will receive room and board at the Glenomena Residence Hall on the campus of University College Dublin (UCD). Located in the heart of the campus within a short walk of the central college facilities, the apartments are formed around a series of interconnected courtyards and provide the ideal combination of secure privacy within a woodland setting. You will be grouped into six en-suite bedroom apartments with shared kitchen/living areas. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished with work station, study lamp, generous storage and wireless internet. 

While in Galway you will be staying at University of Galway. 

During your time in both Londonderry and Belfast you will stay in a double-occupancy hotel room. Breakfast will be provided each morning at the hotels.

All O’Neill International programs are academic, credit-bearing courses that take place abroad. As such, your bursar will be charged two amounts for participation in this program:

1. Program Fee for O’Neill in Ireland (made in two payments)
2. Tuition for the course (3 credits at your normal IU-Bloomington tuition rate)

2025 Program Fee: $2,200

The Program Fee for this program includes:

• Lodging for 2 weeks in Ireland
• Site visits and guest speakers
• Cultural excursions
• Several meals
• International health insurance

The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:

1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
2. The remaining balance will be charged in March prior to departure

For a full breakdown of costs, please see the Ireland fee sheet.

Tuition: 3 credits paid at your IU-Bloomington tuition rate 

Students will pay for 3 credit hours of tuition based on their student status (resident/non-resident, graduate/undergraduate, etc.) on the Bloomington campus.

Additional Costs

Students will pay for their own flight to and from Ireland, meals that are not included in the Program Fee, and other personal incidentals. 

Scholarships

The O’Neill International Office offers several scholarships to support students studying abroad. The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award available to help O'Neill students from IUB and IUI to be able to study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Other need and merit-based scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply widely to all scholarships they are eligible for. Please email us at oio@iu.edu if you want help navigating different funding resources.

During the application period (November 1 - December 22) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 11:59pm on December 22. 

Please review our detailed application instructions!

If you have any issues or questions throughout the application process, contact us via email: oio@iu.edu

• Ability to Walk Long Distances Daily: Participants should be prepared to walk at least 3-5 miles each day, often in urban areas or on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets.
• Ability to Walk on Uneven Ground and Climb Stairs: Some excursions may require walking on uneven ground or cobblestones and managing multiple flights of stairs at once. A basic level of fitness is necessary.
• Ability to Manage Stressful Situations: Students should be able to navigate stressful situations such as crowded areas, time zone changes, language barriers, and group travel dynamics.
• Ability to Adapt to a New Culture: Willingness to embrace a different culture and step outside one’s comfort zone is essential. Students should be prepared to adapt to new customs, food, norms, and environments.
• Ability to Navigate New Cities Independently: Participants should feel comfortable navigating new cities in small groups, using maps or public transportation.
• Ability to Stay Calm and Focused in Unfamiliar Environments: Students may encounter unfamiliar situations such as navigating airports, public transportation, or crowded cities. The ability to stay calm and focused is important.
• Ability to Identify and Cope with Personal Stressors: Understanding one’s own stressors (e.g., travel fatigue, group dynamics) and employing coping mechanisms is essential for a smooth experience.
• Openness to Embrace Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Programs often involve group work, requiring openness to grow as a team member, listen to others, and share responsibilities.
• Willingness to Broaden Perspectives: A core part of the experience is expanding one’s worldview. Students must be willing to broaden their perspectives and learn about new cultures, even if it challenges their existing beliefs.