IACI-USA.org Irish Way

The Irish Way was founded on the belief that fostering an appreciation of other cultures is an important part of an individual’s development. It is an opportunity for young people to explore the rich heritage and tradition of Ireland while also experiencing the country's distinct culture face-to-face. Students receive an education that goes way beyond any nation. The Irish Way is truly a lesson in international citizenship.

Here is what our Patron, Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland says about the Irish Way:
"I particularly appreciate the achievements of the Irish Way programme which has introduced so many young Americans with Irish heritage to their ancestral land and to others the beautiful land of Ireland with its very rich and unique culture." (March, 2009)

"This was the best summer I have ever had. I will not forget it and I am going to be comparing it to every trip from now on. I doubt any other trip will ever top this one. I learned so much and met great people. I loved being a part of the Irish Way."
- Aine, MA

"It was the best four weeks of my life." - Charlie, NJ

"It's hard to find the exact words to say which sum up my experience, but I know the people I met, things I learned, places I visited, and the discovery of myself is a thing which will forever stick in my mind." - Caitlin, CA

"I couldn't have asked for a better experience in Ireland. Everything that was part of the Irish Way program, was loads of craic and a great learning experience." Tara, VT

Did you know? The Irish Way program was conceived by HSH Princess Grace of Monaco, who was the IACI's International Chairman until her death.

Want to learn more about the program?

Considering another program?
When evaluating summer study abroad programs in Ireland, make sure you ask the following questions:

How long has the company been in business? Some unscrupulous operators mislead students by implying that they have been in business for many years. Make sure to ask when the business was founded/incorporated. The Irish Way began in 1976 and has run without interruption since then. Students who participated in the Irish Way in the early years are now sending their children on the program. It is a legacy that is unmatched by any other comparable program.

Is the company a for-profit company or a non-profit? For-profit companies look to make money from their tours. The Irish Way's primary mission is to educate students about Ireland. It does not seek to earn a profit from the program.

Are the testimonials on their website real? Ask for references from previous participants. Make sure those participants actually participated in that program and not the Irish Way.

What are the qualifications of the staff? The Irish Way staff consists of all certified US and Irish teachers with the training and experience to provide the highest quality learning experience for the participants of the program.

SPECIAL: A $500 scholarship per student has been approved for every participant in the 2009 Irish Way program. Tuition after the scholarship is now $4,550!

2009 Tuition Costs: $4,950 All-Inclusive
(round-trip airfare from NYC area to Ireland, room & board, classes, & field trips)

Don't think you can afford the tuition? Every year, the Irish American Cultural Institute and its partners offer financial assistance to qualified students. In addition, students have developed creative ways to raise funds for their participation in the program. To learn more, please contact the Irish Way team. Email

Application Deadline: The deadline has been extended to April 30, 2009, subject to program and flight availability.

Click here to request an Irish Way Application.

Interested in becoming a Counselor on the Irish Way Program?

Every year, the Irish Way program selects 4-5 exceptional candidates to be Irish Way Counselors on the program. In exchange for a free month-long trip to Ireland (room, board and travel expenses included), Irish Way Counselors assist the directors in running the program. Irish Way Counselors coordinate and run activities, man the Irish Way office and monitor the students on the program.

Qualified candidates must be recent college graduates with an interest in Irish culture and youth programs. Preference is given to outstanding Irish Way alumni and to those who have a successful track record in recruiting for the Irish Way program. Candidates are vetted through an intensive screening process. For more information on becoming an Irish Way Counselor, please go to: Irish Way Counselor

Interested in establishing a scholarship for the Irish Way Program?

We need your help in assisting deserving students who would not otherwise be able to pay the tuition for this wonderful, life-changing program. If you would like to join the generous individuals and organizations that provide scholarship funds to the Irish Way, please contact the Irish Way team. E-mail



	The Irish Way, a unique cultural experience for teenagers, is a nationally recognized summer study abroad program that has educated over 4,000 American high school students since 1976. Every summer the Irish American Cultural Institute sends approximately 100 American High School students on the Irish Way. The program consists of:
	SPECIAL: A $500 scholarship per student has been approved for every participant in the 2009 Irish Way program. Tuition after the scholarship is now $4,550! Dates for the 2009 program are June 28 - July 21, 2009. Apply today! Irish Education… Students are introduced to Ireland’s history and traditions through structured sessions in Irish language, literature, history, and culture. Students also participate in workshops of Celtic art, music, folk dancing and traditional Irish sports such as hurling. All sessions are taught by certified high school level teachers. Irish Experience... Field trips to museums, sites of archeological, geological, and historical significance, and to the world- renowned Abbey Theater complement the program, along with excursions to local Gaelic football tournaments and hurling matches. Irish Touring… The final days of the Irish Way are spent touring the west coast of Ireland. Students are based in Galway and spend each day going on guided outings into the country. On the final evening of the program, a formal celebration is held in Galway. The Irish Way was founded on the belief that fostering an appreciation of other cultures is an important part of an individual’s development. It is an opportunity for young people to explore the rich heritage and tradition of Ireland while also experiencing the country's distinct culture face-to-face. Students receive an education that goes way beyond any nation. The Irish Way is truly a lesson in international citizenship. Here is what our Patron, Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland says about the Irish Way: "I particularly appreciate the achievements of the Irish Way programme which has introduced so many young Americans with Irish heritage to their ancestral land and to others the beautiful land of Ireland with its very rich and unique culture." (March, 2009) "This was the best summer I have ever had. I will not forget it and I am going to be comparing it to every trip from now on. I doubt any other trip will ever top this one. I learned so much and met great people. I loved being a part of the Irish Way." - Aine, MA "It was the best four weeks of my life." - Charlie, NJ "It's hard to find the exact words to say which sum up my experience, but I know the people I met, things I learned, places I visited, and the discovery of myself is a thing which will forever stick in my mind." - Caitlin, CA "I couldn't have asked for a better experience in Ireland. Everything that was part of the Irish Way program, was loads of craic and a great learning experience." Tara, VT *Did you know?* The Irish Way program was conceived by HSH Princess Grace of Monaco, who was the IACI's International Chairman until her death. Want to learn more about the program? Read the 2008 program's online diary Check out where students will live and visit Read answers to Frequently Asked Questions Considering another program? When evaluating summer study abroad programs in Ireland, make sure you ask the following questions: How long has the company been in business? Some unscrupulous operators mislead students by implying that they have been in business for many years. Make sure to ask when the business was founded/incorporated. The Irish Way began in 1976 and has run without interruption since then. Students who participated in the Irish Way in the early years are now sending their children on the program. It is a legacy that is unmatched by any other comparable program. Is the company a for-profit company or a non-profit? For-profit companies look to make money from their tours. The *Irish Way's primary mission is to educate students about Ireland. It does not seek to earn a profit from the program. Are the testimonials on their website real?* Ask for references from previous participants. Make sure those participants actually participated in that program and not the Irish Way. What are the qualifications of the staff? The Irish Way staff consists of all certified US and Irish teachers with the training and experience to provide the highest quality learning experience for the participants of the program. SPECIAL: A $500 scholarship per student has been approved for every participant in the 2009 Irish Way program. Tuition after the scholarship is now $4,550! 2009 Tuition Costs: $4,950 All-Inclusive (round-trip airfare from NYC area to Ireland, room & board, classes, & field trips) Don't think you can afford the tuition? Every year, the Irish American Cultural Institute and its partners offer financial assistance to qualified students. In addition, students have developed creative ways to raise funds for their participation in the program. To learn more, please contact the Irish Way team. Email Application Deadline: The deadline has been extended to April 30, 2009, subject to program and flight availability. Click here to request an Irish Way Application. *Interested in becoming a Counselor on the Irish Way* Program? Every year, the Irish Way program selects 4-5 exceptional candidates to be Irish Way Counselors on the program. In exchange for a free month-long trip to Ireland (room, board and travel expenses included), Irish Way Counselors assist the directors in running the program. Irish Way Counselors coordinate and run activities, man the Irish Way office and monitor the students on the program. Qualified candidates must be recent college graduates with an interest in Irish culture and youth programs. Preference is given to outstanding Irish Way alumni and to those who have a successful track record in recruiting for the Irish Way program. Candidates are vetted through an intensive screening process. For more information on becoming an Irish Way Counselor, please go to: Irish Way Counselor Interested in establishing a scholarship for the Irish Way Program? We need your help in assisting deserving students who would not otherwise be able to pay the tuition for this wonderful, life-changing program. If you would like to join the generous individuals and organizations that provide scholarship funds to the Irish Way**, please contact the Irish Way team. E-mail