UGA- Social Work- Social Issues in Northern Ireland
Students in the Maymester “Social Issues in Northern Ireland” class travel to Northern Ireland to get firsthand exposure to the transgenerational impact of the violence from the four-decade long conflict in Northern Ireland known as “The Troubles.” Economic injustice, oppression and discrimination are among the hallmarks of the divide between the Protestants and Catholics of Northern Ireland.
Program Location
Visits include Belfast, Ballycastle, Londonderry/Derry, and parts in between in Northern Ireland. Students will spend time learning about the culture and history of Northern Ireland and visit community organizations that have been part of the country's recovery process.They will have the opportunity to visit a retreat center called Corrymeela, "Hill of Harmony," that has served as a safe haven for the people of Northern Ireland since the late 1960s and throughout the many-sided conflict known as The Troubles.Students will enjoy recreational outings to the scenic Antrim Coast, including the Giant's Causeway, Swinging Bridge, Rathlin Island, and other notable locations in Northern Ireland.
Contact Information
Dr. Michael Robinson
School of Social Work
Email: marobi01@uga.edu
Academic Program
UGA - Social Work - Social Issues in Northern Ireland
Course Offerings: May 2021
SOWK 5776/7776 - Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Reconciliation: An International Course in Northern Ireland
This course is designed to provide undergraduate/graduate students with an intensive study abroad experience to learn about the effects of years of political and religious conflict in Northern Ireland (known as “The Troubles”), on individuals, families, groups and organizations.
SOWK 5910 - Directed Readings in Social Work
Individual study, reading, or projects under the direction of a faculty member.
SOWK 7910 - Independent Social Work Research
Advanced readings course for independent research into the human services under the direction of a faculty member.
Program Itinerary
2021 Initial Travel Program Itinerary
(Daily plans are subject to change as final itinerary will be determined in consultation with in-country facilitators.)
| May 24 |
-Arrive Belfast: Program Begins 2pm at designated hotel
-Visit Crumlin Gaol, Black Taxi Tour |
| May 25 |
-Lectures (political prisoners, community workers, social workers, etc.) |
| May 26 |
-Lecture and visits to political sites |
| May 27 |
-Visits to social welfare agencies-Depart on mini-bus to Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle |
| May 28 |
-Workshop on trauma and grief |
| May 29 |
-Lectures - conflict model & historical background;
recreational outings on Northern coast |
| May 30 |
-Lecture - gender & peacebuilding; national wildlife excursion |
| May 31 |
-Lecture - play therapy & trauma; evaluation session
-Depart on mini-bus to Londonderry/Derry |
| June 01 |
-Lectures and visits to political sites in Derry |
| June 02 |
-Lectures and visits to political sites in Derry
-Discussion and Evaluation Meeting after dinner |
| June 03 |
-Program Ends (breakfast provided)
-Students and faculty depart |
Housing
Belfast:Hotel (For example, Holiday Inn) (2 students per room)
Ballycastle: Corrymeela Community (dormitory style)
Londonderry/Derry: Hotel (2 students per room)
All breakfasts,dinners, and lunches are provided (*one lunch and one dinner on your own)
Program Costs
Program Deposit: $300 due upon admission
Program fee: approximately $1,400 (this does not include the deposit nor airfare)
