Early College / Dual Enrolment Programs

Creating an unforgettable experience

Dual Enrolled Students love study abroad programs! 

And so do we. We have dedicated programs suitable for the 16-18 age group. These are age-appropriate study abroad programs for early college students.  

Ireland is a perfect opportunity for young adults to experience international travel; a safe, English-speaking, and culturally rich destination which is sure to deliver for your students.

The Institute of Study Abroad & Gartan Adventure Centre provide a great first adventure for ambitious teenagers. Through a combination of activities, excursions and immersive learning experiences, our students have a great time – growing in confidence, making new friends, gaining international experience, and taking that first step into the big wide world 

Ireland’s rich history can be seen all over its landscapes and seascapes, from the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way, to the sacred tombs of the ancients, the forts of the tribal chieftains, and the castles of the colonizers.  This trip is a chance to see it all in person, and learn about the people and places that shaped its past.

This course in Ireland explores how environment, culture and history have shaped indigenous and post-colonial Irish culture. There are many narratives we share with the U.S, including fascinating comparisons with our history, customs and traditions. The program is a safe, well supervised and age-appropriate experience of the  most beautiful part of Ireland. 

Programs available for students aged 16-18 years

Pre-Travel Online Preparation Course on the Narratives of Ireland

A safe, age-appropriate study abroad experience with trusted providers

Field trips associated with mythology, history, literature and language, led by expert local guides

Travel to Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way and visit important Irish landmarks

Visit Ireland’s Gaelic-speaking offshore islands

Personal development through adventure activities including kayaking, sailing and outdoor team challenges

Experience Irish culture through Irish music, movies, art and language

FAQS

Our Early College Campus is located in County Donegal, on the Atlantic Coast. This area of Ireland is famous for breath-taking scenery, wonderful history, and the friendliest people in Ireland. Although we are based in Donegal, we travel to many other parts of Ireland, including the counties of Meath, Cavan, Sligo and Leitrim. County Donegal is one of the most one of the most historic, beautiful, and scenic counties in the Republic. We are in the townland of Gartan, which is famous for adventure activities and for a traditional Irish welcome. We are very close to the Ocean, known here as ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’. Weather is usually a daily mix of sunshine, rain, and wind, and you need to bring appropriate clothing depending on the time of year. 

Our Early College Campus is at Gartan Adventure Centre, a beautiful facility on the shores of Lough Gartan, in the heart of Donegal. The Gartan area is associated with St. Colm Cille, one of Ireland’s three patron saints, and the scenic area all around has many stories and legends about the early life of the saint. Gartan is nestled close to the Glenveagh Castle estate, and is known as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of Ireland. The Centre itself is open all year round, and is a purpose-built adventure centre, built to accommodate teenage groups in a safe and well supervised environment. See http://www.gartan.com

Ireland is a friendly country, and American visitors of all backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures are most welcome. We extend a very warm welcome to all our guests, and we create an inclusive atmosphere, which we expect all will respect.

Our program will involve classroom learning in our Gartan Campus, site-visits to historic and cultural landmarks, workshops with experts in various fields, and activities and adventures on and around beautiful Gartan. 

Irish weather is never extreme- but it is can be unpredictable, and very changeable. There can be sunny days in January and rainy days in Summer! There are very few days however where the weather would interrupt our activities. Make sure to pack swimming trunks and a raincoat!

For more information on what you’ll need when coming on a trip, please check out our Packing and General info guide here.

Our Locations

Here’s a few snaps from some of our Early College /Dual Enrollment programs in Ireland 

How do I get involved?

We accept both individual student and groups to our early college programs. All participants must be aged between 16 years and 18 years, and living in the United States. The dates for 2024 will be June 8-18, with further programs in 2025.  Please contact info@isaireland.com for more information