For Parents
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything we get asked most — from applying and payment to safety, daily life, and travel. Don't see your question? We're always happy to help.
Eligibility & Applying
The program is open to students who have graduated from the eighth grade and are entering high school, through those finishing high school before the program begins — typically ages 14–18.
Applicants complete an application with student and parent sections, provide written recommendations from at least one teacher and one counselor, and submit a current school transcript.
Yes. We look for intelligent, independent, motivated, enthusiastic, and well-rounded young men and women with a genuine passion for experiencing new cultures.
As soon as possible, to avoid capacity limits. The final deadline is April 1st, though applications may continue if space remains (sometimes with increased fares or a waiting list).
Once your completed application, recommendations, and deposit are received, it should take about 2–3 weeks to review and notify you of the decision.
A packet of information and contracts goes out to students and parents a few weeks after acceptance — please complete it promptly. Once you have paid in full, you will receive the program handbook by email at the beginning of June, with everything students and parents need to know. Our team is always happy to answer questions in between.
Absolutely! Most students attend on their own, but some choose to bring a friend along — and nearly everyone returns home with lifelong friends.
Yes. Our alumni are our best advocates. Prospective families can read our Alumni Ambassadors’ stories on the Alumni page, and our team can put you in touch with past students and parents for first-hand answers.
Cost & Payment
Tuition is $6,050 if you apply and pay in full before January 1st, and $6,550 after (plus a $140 credit-card fee). This covers round-trip airfare from Logan Airport (BOS), room and board, tuition, group tours, transportation, and activities. Personal items and optional activities are extra.
No. A $600 deposit accompanies the application ($100 is non-refundable if not accepted). Upon acceptance, an additional $1,000 is due by March 1st and the balance by June 1st, unless you qualify for the early-bird rate.
We recommend a budget of $500–$700 for out-of-pocket expenses. It helps to discuss a spending plan with your child beforehand to set expectations.
Classes & Daily Life
The core curriculum includes Gaelic language, Irish history, Irish-American history, Irish studies, literature, dance, and drama — plus a range of hands-on workshops, for a comprehensive introduction to Irish culture.
Classes are not rigorous. This is your summer vacation, so teachers do their best to keep each class fun and interactive.
Each student receives a grade at the end of the program based on attendance, class participation, note-taking, drama presentations, completion of three workshops, and overall behavior.
Students live in boarding schools and apartments with comfortable accommodations that provide the basic necessities. See our Accommodations page for details on each city.
Yes — the program is designed to give students free time in every location, with time to reflect, write home, and explore with friends.
Yes. Students must be on campus for dinner before free time, with bed check at 10:45 PM and lights-out at 11:00 PM, given the demanding daily schedule.
Meals are healthy, balanced, and nutritious — typical dormitory fare, which can take some adjustment. In Killarney and Galway, the Irish Way gives each student a set amount of money to shop with their roommates and prepare their own meals. Care packages from home are always welcome.
Yes — the Irish Way can accommodate almost all dietary needs. Please indicate any restrictions or allergies in advance so we can make proper arrangements.
There are two laundry pick-up dates — about six days into the Waterford stay, and about a week before departure in Dublin. Some locations have facilities; laundry is student-funded.
Safety & Supervision
Coordinators, teachers, and counselors supervise students, with a staff member on duty at all times and a typical student-to-staff ratio of 7:1.
Yes. Every staff member is required to be trained in CPR and First Aid, with emergency-response training during orientation.
Our leaders are full-time coordinators for the Irish Way, each with extensive knowledge of Europe, who have led countless groups of students abroad since 1976. They share a single-minded dedication to excellence and an absolute focus on the safety of the program and its participants.
Counselors are college graduates with a passion for education and travel. Most are alumni of the program who have studied other cultures in college, studied abroad, and have experience working with teenagers. They are responsible adults whose priority is keeping every student safe and helping them have the experience of a lifetime.
Parents receive the Irish Way Coordinator's mobile number before departure. It's reserved for emergency purposes only.
No. Participants must carry valid international health coverage for the duration of the program and submit proof before departure.
We take precautions to keep students in a safe environment with well-prepared meals and adequate rest. When care is needed, staff arrange medical attention, accompany the student, and alert the family.
Every student and parent signs a Participant and Parent Release. We take student safety and behavior seriously; serious violations can result in a call home, suspension from activities, or being sent home.
Communication & Money
Students have limited phone access during the program. An international data plan or WiFi hotspots are the easiest way to stay in touch with family overseas.
Yes, cell phones are allowed — though they can be a distraction. We encourage students to step outside their everyday world and be present for the experience.
We understand life may not feel complete without a laptop back home, but we find one unnecessary on the Irish Way — and laptops are heavy and cumbersome to travel with. A phone covers everything students need.
Students are very busy with classes and tours the first week, so please be patient as they settle into their new environment.
Carry a limited amount of cash and use a credit/debit card as needed. Notify your bank in advance, and make infrequent larger ATM withdrawals rather than frequent small ones.
Students & Travel
Students come from every corner of America, and some from Canada and Europe. Social-media groups help everyone connect before departure.
There are typically between 30 and 60 students each summer, with a good mix of ages from 14 to 18.
Yes. Students with connecting flights into Logan (BOS) are met after security by Irish Way counselors, escorted to the Aer Lingus terminal, and helped with check-in. Staff assist on the return as well.
The program is reserved for students only. Parents may meet their child afterward and travel together — Juniper Tours offers a specially designed package at a discounted rate.
Students with Irish relatives may visit during free time, as long as it does not interfere with required classes and tours, with a pre-approved parental permission slip.
Extending is common and even encouraged, arranged through Juniper Tours. Any difference in airfare from an itinerary change is the responsibility of the passenger.
The Irish Way reviews these circumstances case by case. In most situations, parents are responsible for the cost of a one-way ticket home, and our staff help arrange the travel.