Study Abroad At

Conflict, Peace, and Transition

Throughout its history, Northern Ireland has grappled with an ongoing identity-based conflict that divides neighbors, communities, and the country itself. This history is physically present in the form of imposing walls (some 400 years old), and a border that has divided the island of Ireland for 100 years. Deeply segregated communities are byproducts of the trauma caused by years of violence. The conflict and its legacy ripples out into the language, governance, and everyday life of Northern Irish citizens. 

As a student on this program you will critically examine the work of justice, reconciliation, and repair. You will  live, work, and learn in the city of Derry-Londonderry. There and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including Belfast and border areas, you’ll meet with community members directly impacted by violence, who now work to share stories and foster healing dialogue. Intentionally sourced internship placements allow you to be actively involved in the ongoing work of peacebuilding and community development. 

Throughout this International Conflict Research Institute-affiliated program, offered through partnership with Augsburg University Center for Global Education and Experience, students wrestle with challenging questions: 

• What does it mean to be a victim/survivor? A perpetrator? 
• How can we heal after hurt? 
• How do we reckon with the full weight of the past? 

Begin and end your program with a short-term stay at the Corrymeela Centre, a residential community center focused on reconciliation and living their founding idea: “Together is better.”

Placements:

During the program, students will begin their seven-week-long internship placements, supported by weekly seminars, in week four. The final two weeks of the program offer time for reflection and the completion of independent research projects.

Past internship sites include:

• Children in Crossfire: The mission of Children in Crossfire is "to work with others to tackle the injustices of poverty affecting children.”
• The Verbal Arts Centre: The Verbal Arts Centre is a centre for the development of the verbal arts and literacy. 
• St Columb’s Park House: The mission of St. Columb's Park House is "to be the heart of the park, helping to nurture peaceful, vibrant and compassionate communities."
• The Rainbow Project: A health organization that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and their families in Northern Ireland.
• New Gate Arts & Culture Centre: A vibrant arts and culture center, that provides a range of workshops, classes, performances, talks, tours, festivals and cultural events. As well as facilitated discussions, good relations workshops and peace building initiatives.
• NerveCentre: Nerve Centre is Northern Ireland's leading creative media arts centre.