K-State students gain global perspective through Ireland study abroad program
Faculty-led program in Dublin connects classroom learning with Ireland's history, culture and community life.
Students in the KSU in Ireland: Sports and Leadership program explore Dublin, Ireland, where the city's culture, art and history serve as an extension of the classroom.
Kansas State University students are broadening their horizons this summer through KSU in Ireland: Sports and Leadership, a faculty-led study abroad program designed to integrate classroom study with immersive, real-world experiences.
Based at University College Dublin, the program places students in the heart of Ireland's capital city, where cultural heritage and modern international life intersect. Participants earn academic credit while exploring the country's history, leadership traditions and community spirit — lessons that reach far beyond the classroom.
Students enroll in courses taught by K-State faculty: LEAD 502: Leadership and Sports, led by Andrew Wefald, associate professor, and MC 310: What's the Score? Sports in Society, taught by Andrew Smith, multimedia news director and professor of practice. Each course combines traditional academics with opportunities that connect concepts to practice in an international setting.
Dublin and Ireland as a whole serve as an extension of the classroom. Students tour museums such as EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, attend traditional music performances and learn the fundamentals of Ireland's national sports through a Gaelic Games Experience. Site visits to companies involved in broadcasting and sports policy provide a closer look at professional contexts. Excursions beyond Dublin include a four-day visit to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, a day trip to Belfast to examine Northern Ireland's history and peace process, and hikes along the scenic Howth Peninsula.
Living abroad also cultivates adaptability, communication and problem-solving skills. Students navigate daily life in a new culture, build connections with peers and experience firsthand the value of global perspectives. These experiences contribute to personal growth and prepare participants to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
The program concludes in Dublin with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium, where students join the broader K-State community in cheering for the Wildcats. While the event marks the end of the program, the impact continues as students return to campus with new knowledge, perspectives and leadership capacity.
Kansas State University offers a wide range of Education Abroad programs in more than 90 countries. Opportunities include short-term faculty-led experiences like KSU in Ireland as well as semester- and year-long exchanges. These programs drive K-State's commitment to global engagement and experiential learning, ensuring that students graduate with the confidence and cultural understanding needed to thrive in diverse environments.
For more information about KSU in Ireland and other Education Abroad opportunities, visit k-state.edu/abroad/.
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