Have you considered studying abroad at the SHU in Dingle campus? Well, new renovations to this international site may make your decision a whole lot easier.
On March 28, Sacred Heart opened a brand-new extension to the Dingle campus after renovations to the old Christian Brothers school in Dingle, which was purchased by SHU at the end of 2017. The new building, named Ollscoil An Chroí Naofa, will provide SHU with its own private space to conduct courses.
“The building will have capacity for 180 students and will include teaching facilities such as a hospital skills lab, simulation room for students of health occupations, and multiple lecturing and seminar rooms fitted with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment,” according to the SHU in Dingle website. “The site will also have substantial social, circulatory and recreational spaces, both internally and externally.”
SHU in Dingle offers a variety of courses, with the option of studying within four different terms. Students can study abroad for either the entire fall or spring semester, or they can opt to study in Dingle in either the winter or summer short-term programs.
The expansion will offer new opportunities to the more than 500 students who participate in SHU’s study abroad program in Dingle every year, as well as to faculty and staff.
“Some faculty teach in one of the sessions every year, but many also rotate. Thus, over 30 SHU professors get to teach in Dingle, giving them a very rich experience with students, outside the regular SHU Fairfield classrooms,” said Dr. John Roney, co-director of the Center for Irish Studies.
Source: Sacred Heart University
The renovations have been taking place since 2017 as the program continues to grow, intending to make it an innovative center where students can engage in high-level learning and research. For those who have previously been to or are currently studying in Dingle, these changes bring about a lot of excitement.
“I think it will inspire more students to take advantage of SHU in Dingle and use the brand-new facilities the campus has to offer. The state-of-the-art facilities blend the rich culture of Dingle with the state-of-the-art technology of SHU,” said senior Billy Kasheta, who previously studied at SHU in Dingle.
SHU has been conducting its programs in Dingle since 2004, and students continue to have experiences where they see an entirely new part of the world. This allows them to fully immerse themselves in an entirely new culture while still working towards earning their degrees.
“My experience in Dingle has been life-changing. Between the students I’ve met through the program and the adventures we have had the chance to do, I could not be happier. The classes create hands-on learning moments during class time field trips to different parts of the Dingle peninsula,” said sophomore Molly McDonald, who is currently studying in Dingle.
“I believe I am becoming more independent through my time here. I have gotten to explore living on my own, from buying groceries to planning independent travel. As silly as that may sound, I believe that development is important,” McDonald said.
SHU has worked closely with the town of Dingle and created a strong relationship with locals. With more students studying in Dingle, local businesses, restaurants, and cultural sites may experience increased engagement. The renovations have also sparked interest among local residents, as the upgraded facility brings a fresh and modernized look to the town.
“The community of Dingle’s response was overwhelmingly positive since previously the old building was an ‘eye-sore’ whereas now it raises the level of class and interest in the town,” said Roney.
