The Irish Studies Program, hosted by Stranmillis University College, allows Taylor University students to pursue learning through study of culture, peacebuilding, and education in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The program, originally based in Greystones, Ireland, has since moved to Stranmillis University college, a university college of Queen’s University College. It has been in partnership with their Saints and Scholars program, which Stranmillis developed and Dr. Barabara McDade, Head of International Engagement, directs.
Academic courses ranging from 15-17 credit hours include opportunities to study alongside full-time Stranmillis students and other international students from programs such as Erasmus. Courses in peacebuilding, education, literature, Irish language and culture have been integral to the design of the Irish studies program.
Other aspects include opportunities to explore the natural and historical sites of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Trips to the Giant’s Causeway, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Titanic Belfast and the Stormont Parliament buildings allow for educational enrichment to a joyful time according to Junior Renee Hoylman, sister of Echo staff writer Elise Hoylman.
Hoylman described the impact of her time abroad and the discovery of landmarks such as Cave Hill, Giant’s Causeway, Whitehead and Carrickfergus Castle as an important piece of her journey as a learner.
“During my travels in Northern Ireland, I have been given the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, embody a posture of humility and seek to find joy in the little moments,” she said. “I’ve loved getting to know those in Belfast and their heart for community. It has been so amazing to see the natural beauty and historic nature of Northern Ireland.”
Current and former Taylor students have had the opportunity to learn from community-based practicums and educational placements in addition to their time in classes at Stranmillis according to Taylor University’s Irish Studies Program website.
Taylor University junior Greta Piehl, a Spring 2025 Irish Studies Program participant, said her experience during her seven-week placement at Stranmillis Primary School allowed her to analyze the way her own classroom could function some day.
“I had done two other school placements through the Education department at Taylor, so I was familiar with how a placement like this generally goes,” she said. “However, it was a completely different school system, which ended up being one of my favorite things. I was able to really compare and contrast the U.S. school system and the Northern Irish system, and find what things I found valuable and what I wanted to take into my own future classroom.”
Piehl’s time at Stranmillis was enriching from a global engagement perspective as well, as her four months immersed in the culture gave her many learning opportunities, she said.
A group of five Taylor students have taken up residence in the halls of Stranmillis for the Spring 2026 semester. Though sophomore Grace Raverty’s semester is just beginning, it has grown her both relationally and vocationally, she said.
“The opportunity to learn about Northern Ireland’s education system and culture in a hands-on way has given me a broader perspective on learning,” she said. “Exploring the city, engaging with the local community and interacting with students and faculty at Stranmillis has all helped me to better understand how history, community and identity shape education here.”
Taylor University’s page for the Irish studies program invites students to “expand cultural and spiritual awareness” through their time in Northern Ireland. For more information about the program, visit the Irish Studies Program page, or contact Professor Jennifer Moeschberger at the Spencer Center for Global Engagement.
https://www.taylor.edu/academics/programs/study-abroad/semester-studies/ireland
