The University of Akron School of Law May 2025 Study Abroad Program offers an incredible opportunity to visit Ireland, a country rich in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Students will explore historic sites and local attractions in Maynooth, Dublin, and Galway while expanding their understanding of legal practice and education from an international perspective.

Panoramic view of Maynooth University

We will partner with Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology in Maynooth. While in Ireland, students will stay on Maynooth’s beautiful campus and visit local courts, bar associations, businesses, and historic and cultural sites. Students will explore the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, Dublin, and several castles (exact visits TBD).

Please Note: all below information regarding this trip is tentative and subject to change.

Dates (tentative)

Friday, May 16 - Friday, May 30, 2025

• These dates correspond to Akron Law's spring break.

Tentative Itinerary

• Friday, May 16: Fly from the US to Dublin
• Saturday, May 17: Arrive in Dublin. Explore Maynooth
• Sunday, May 18: Excursion to the Cliffs of Moher
• Monday, May 19: Class, Russell Library tour
• Tuesday, May 20: Dublin – visits to Parliament and cultural sites
• Wednesday, May 21: Class, excursion to Trim Castle and the town of Trim
• Thursday, May 22: Dublin – visits to Four Courts, Criminal Courts of Justice, and more as we take a legal walking tour through the city
• Friday, May 23: Class and time on your own to explore
• Saturday, May 24: Free time
• Sunday, May 25: Free time
• Monday, May 26: Dublin: Meetings with business and legal professionals and visits to historic sites
• Tuesday, May 27: Excursion to Cork/Tipperary to see the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle
• Wednesday, May 28: Excursion: Wicklow Mountains
• Thursday, May 29: Wrap-up activities
• Friday, May 30: Depart Dublin and arrive in Cleveland

Registration and costs

Please note: all costs are approximate and subject to change. Costs depend on the number of participants.

Select scholarships may be available. Scholarships are open to any Akron Law student in good standing. Scholarship amounts are still TBD. Students will be notified upon applying and submitting a seat deposit.

Additional Expenses

Personal expenses vary widely by individual. You will have free time in each place we go, which means you will have a small portion of meals to cover yourself and may choose to enjoy a variety of experiences. Here are some additional personal expenses to consider budgeting for:

• US Passport Fees (if you don’t currently have one)
• Entertainment and meals on your own
• Souvenirs (students may buy various mementos)
• Roundtrip Airfare (we are looking into the possibility of group tickets to secure a lower rate)
• Tuition (this will paid in the normal course to Akron Law)

Non-refundable security deposit

Planning for travel and accommodations to Ireland will require Akron Law to incur some up-front costs. For this reason, the payment of the seat deposit is non-refundable. To be clear, this payment is non-refundable for any reason including but not limited to unforeseen circumstances for the student, and/or changed international travel restrictions.

Applications are due on Friday, January 17. Once the deadline passes, we will contact applicants about payment of the non-refundable $200 seat deposit. This is due on or before Friday, January 24, 2025. You do not need to make the payment before you hear from us. We anticipate all interested students being able to come on the trip, but will know once the application deadline has closed.

You will make the payment from the trip webpage, using the payment button at the bottom of the page. The seat deposit will be credited toward the $500 program fee (which is also non-refundable).

Vaccination requirements

It is up to each participant to make their own decision regarding the extent of compliance with CDC recommendations. We recommend that you ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines are chickenpox, DPT, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles. More information is available on the CDC website.

Safety considerations

The U.S. State Department rates Ireland as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. The State Department website provides a country information page, information on the STEP program, and a traveler’s checklist.

Class Information – Comparative Law

The corresponding class with this study abroad trip will be Comparative Law, taught online/in person by Deans Lohmeier and Benedict O’Brien. This is a two-credit class. This counts towards the total number of credits students will be taking in the summer semester.

Student Guests

Students are able to bring a guest(s) with them on the trip (e.g., partner, parent, etc.) if space permits. Please contact Dean Lohmeier to discuss if you are interested in bringing a guest with you. If it is determined that there is space for your guest, your guest will also need to complete the application form. Scholarships will not be available to guests.

Trip requirements

Although expressly subject to change, the minimum requirements to make the trip are:

• Compliance with all travel recommendations by the U.S. government
• Compliance with all requirements of UA’s Education Abroad Office (faculty leaders will work with students to comply with these requirements)
• A valid U.S. passport
• All required inoculations

Questions?

All questions regarding the 2025 trip to Ireland should be directed to Dean Lohmeier at klohmeier@bongobaystudios.com, Dean Benedict O’Brien at ab139@bongobaystudios.com, or Professor Starnes at sstarnes@bongobaystudios.com.