The Program

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:
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 Ireland.

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.

Don't think you can afford tuition?

Based on availability, 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, click here.

Interested in becoming a Counselor on the Irish Way Program?

Every year, the Irish Way program selects 2-3 exceptional candidates to be Irish Way Counselors on the program.  In exchange for a free three-week 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 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, click here.

A Sample of Past Year's Program

The Tours
Trinity College, Temple Bar area, Viking Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, Clarence Hotel, Irish Houses of Parliament, Abby Theatre, Yeats Exhibition, National Museum of Ireland, Tulian Strand Beach, Abbey Mass Rock, St. Patrick's Well, O'Donnell Castle, Derry City, Wall Murals,Galway City, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Gaiety Theatre, Kilmainham Jail, Newgrange, Glendalough, Croke Park, Kylemore Abbey, Waterford, Blarney Castle

The Activities
Gaelic Football & Hurling, Silly Beach Olympics, Talent Show, Irish Movie Night, 4th of July Party, Evening out - Dinner & Music, Surf Session, International Food Night, Bundoran Funfair, Irish Banquet

The Classes
History of Irish Culture, Introduction to Gaelic, Tracing your Family Roots, Prehistoric Ireland, Irish Music, Christianity & St. Patrick in Ireland, Viking & Norman Invasions, Geography of Ireland, The Great Famine, Irish Politics, Arts & Crafts Workshop

The Curriculum
History
Pre-Celtic Ireland (c. 2500 BC)
Preparation and field trip to Newgrange passage grave.
Early Christian Ireland to the Vikings (c. 458-900)
The Normans and Ireland (c. 1200-1400)
Daniel O'Connell and Catholic Emancipation
The English and the Anglo Irish in Ireland
The Famine and Emigration (c. 1850)
From Rising to Independence (c. 1916-1922)
Irish American History
Ulster Men and Women Emigrate to Colonies (c. 1750)
The Famine and Mass Emigration (c. 1860-1900)
The Irish and the Towns: New York, Boston, Stamford, Chicago.
"From Shanty to Lace Curtains"
The Contributions the Irish made to the United States
Famous Irish men and women
Literature
Oscar Wilde
W. B. Yeats
James Joyce
J.M. Synge
Frank O'Connor
Liam O'Flaherty
Paul Durcan
Seamus Heaney