By Mike LaBelle, Northern Essex Community College
For high school students looking to study abroad, the cost can be prohibitive while taking an entire semester off is often a big commitment.
But what if students could spend just 10 days overseas, over their summer vacation, and earn college credits at a reduced cost?
For the first time this summer, Northern Essex Community College will offer a study abroad course in Ireland for high school students looking to earn college credits.
"We did our best to coordinate the trip dates with all of the regional school district end dates," said Marcy Yeager, executive director of PK-12 partnerships and international studies.
This pilot program is modeled after the short-term study abroad courses the college currently offers for its students.
This English composition course in Ireland will run from June 24 to July 5 and will include surfing and kayaking on the Irish coast, a visit to Derry City in Northern Ireland, tours of ancient castles, and more.
The course, which offers three college credits, will explore ancient Ireland, Celtic arts and mythology, sustainability and ecology, and famine and emigration, among other themes.
The cost of the Ireland Study Abroad Program is $3,650 which includes round trip airfare and all transportation, housing and meals, and all activities and excursions. Tuition for the course is an additional $330 for Massachusetts residents – which Yeager said is a big savings over the normal tuition cost.
She said NECC's high school partners include high schools in Lawrence, Haverhill, Amesbury, Newburyport, Triton, Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Greater Lawrence Tech and Whittier Tech, as well as Sanborn and Windham high schools.
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