If you’re searching for impactful, sustainability-focused education abroad, look no further than Ireland! Sustainable development isn't just a concept—it's woven into the very fabric of the nation, its leading universities, and our study abroad programs.
Limerick and the University of Limerick (UL) are exceptionally well-suited for students passionate about sustainability and dedicated to studying sustainable development. Limerick, situated centrally within Ireland's stunning landscape, offers a distinctive combination of bustling city life and scenic natural surroundings.
Here you’ll find info on:- Ireland's National Commitment to Sustainability: Discover how the Emerald Isle is actively achieving the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.
- The University of Limerick's Cutting-Edge Approach: Learn about UL's innovative sustainability initiatives, research, and diverse programs designed to equip future leaders.
- The City of Limerick, A Living Model of Green Initiatives: See how the city itself provides a practical backdrop for studying sustainable living and community involvement.
- Unique Opportunities for Student Engagement: Explore how students can gain resume-ready experience through project-based courses, volunteer awards, and leadership programs.
- CIS Abroad's Sustainability-Focused Programming: Find out how our excursions and activities are designed to offer high-impact experiences that highlight Ireland's natural beauty and sustainable practices.
Ireland’s Commitment to Sustainability
Ireland, along with all other UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. This detailed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which aim to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous planet. In 2023, the country’s Voluntary National Review showed that over 80% of the 169 targets linked to the SDGs have been fully achieved!
Sustainability at the University of Limerick
The University of Limerick’s reputation has skyrocketed as a top university. In Ireland and around the world, students are impressed by UL’s innovative courses and high academic standards. Although a young university, the energetic, enterprising UL has a proud record of excellence in research and scholarship. It’s also one of the most diverse universities in Ireland, attracting students from more than 95 countries.
The emphasis on real-world application and community involvement at UL provides students with a holistic understanding of sustainability, going far beyond classroom knowledge. Choosing to study sustainability in Limerick and at UL means joining a vibrant community committed to creating a better future. It provides students with a distinct advantage in the field, offering access to unique opportunities and a strong network of professionals and researchers dedicated to sustainability. The combination of Limerick's eco-conscious atmosphere and UL’s academic excellence makes it a prime location for exploring and contributing to sustainable development.
UL offers a range of programs specifically designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex environmental challenges. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with its research-driven approach, ensure that students receive a cutting-edge education.
The university has a number of reports and documents relating to the complex commitment to sustainability and climate action. Their systems-wide approach has four pillars: Governance, Economy, Society, and Planet, all working together to create a sustainable university. A few specific initiatives are:
- rewilding campus grounds
- measuring energy usage and retrofitting buildings
- designing a sustainability-led governance model
- and many other commitments to achieve by 2030.
The UL Study Abroad office team also has a commitment to sustainability and furthering the involvement of students in the university's activities, clubs, and events.
The City of Limerick and Surrounding Areas
Limerick is an exceptional environment for students of environmental science and sustainable development. Its commitment to ecological initiatives, including the expansion of green spaces, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable transportation, gives students a space to learn theoretical knowledge that can be observed in application.
This environmental consciousness evident from the university level to the broader community has created an ideal setting for pioneering research and in-depth exploration of environmental challenges. The university and city have partnered on a variety of ever-evolving local sustainability projects, offering invaluable real-world experience and direct contributions.
Unique Ways Students in Limerick Can Get Involved in Sustainability
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President’s Volunteer Award
- Semester students can earn UL’s President’s Volunteer Award if they complete a required amount of volunteer hours. The successful completion of this work and dedication is formally acknowledged through a credential being added to the student transcript. This provides students with an official and tangible method of demonstrating their achievements.
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Student Leadership for Sustainability Development
- UL offers this immersive six-week extracurricular program designed to give students a holistic understanding of economic, environmental, and social sustainable development.
- Students form teams, develop sustainability projects aimed at UL’s 2030 Framework for Sustainability.
- Students leave the program with resume-ready experience and skills in public speaking, project management, critical analysis, and education for sustainable development.
- Dr. Immanuel Darkwa’s project-based courses in sustainable development, climate innovation, food systems, energy transitions, and more.
CIS Abroad’s Sustainability-Focused Programming
Ireland is well connected with buses and trains, which means our students can travel with a smaller carbon footprint. Some of our favorite excursions and Local Life activities feature the best of Ireland’s nature, like the Gap of Dunloe and Killarney National Park.
The excursion to Killarney is valued not only for the beautiful views it offers but also for its strong focus on sustainability. We prioritize public bus service for transportation, and once there, you can rent bikes to cycle around the city, truly immersing yourself in the local pace. The group takes a serene boat ride through Killarney's lakes, ending up amidst the lush mountains, followed by a hike in the stunning Gap of Dunloe. Students also visit the historic Muckross Gardens and Castle, and witness the beauty of Torc Waterfall. The group usually stays at a charming family B&B, enjoys dinner at a local restaurant and packs a picnic for their hike.
Killarney also has an impressive "cup-free zone" initiative. This means no single-use coffee cups! The town has embraced a "bring or buy" reusable scheme, encouraging everyone to use their own cups or purchase a reusable one. It's a tangible example of a community working together for a greener future, and a great learning experience for students.
Our day excursion to Galway includes a tour of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) grounds, renowned for its impressive biodiversity and Official Biodiversity Trail. This offers a unique insight into how educational institutions are championing environmental conservation. We also visit a weekend farmers market, brimming with local artisans and producers, providing another opportunity to support sustainable commerce and appreciate local craftsmanship.
By choosing a CIS Abroad program in Ireland, you're not just studying abroad; you're actively engaging with a culture that prioritizes sustainable development. It's an experience that offers real-world insights, unforgettable memories, and unique resume-building opportunities for students.
Learn more about our programs in Limerick here!
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