Spend January studying in two of Europe’s literary capitals with AIFS Abroad! With 8 nights in Dublin and 7 nights in London, this program explores the two cities through the lens of historic and present-day authors, poets and playwrights, emphasizing how storytelling shapes our understanding of national identity.

What You'll Study

Narrating the Nation in Dublin and London (3 credits) Course Code: ENGL 200

Instruction Language: English

In this January travel course, Narrating the Nation, students will explore Dublin and London through the eyes of their authors, poets, and playwrights, discovering how literature shapes our understanding of national identity. A nation is more than geography—it’s a shared vision, woven from myths and stories. In Dublin, students will delve into the seanchaí (storyteller) tradition, walk the Wicklow hills that inspired W.B. Yeats, explore James Joyce’s Dubliners, and reflect on the modern voice of Sally Rooney through creative writing exercises. In London, they will examine the city as the heart of the British Empire and a hub of multiculturalism and experimentation. From Arthur Conan Doyle’s Victorian London to Zadie Smith’s vibrant Kilburn, students will see how empire and migration have shaped the city’s literary legacy. Through these experiences, students will gain insight how storytellers have shaped their nations in both cities over the course of the 20th and 21st-centuries.

What Makes AIFS Abroad different?

Career Readiness

Professional development is at the foundation of our preparation for participants' time abroad. We utilize the CliftonStrengths assessment as a tool to help all participants understand themselves better, provide a vocabulary around their natural talents, and deepen the impact of their experience abroad.

Access, Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (AIDE)

As an organization we are committed to ensuring all identities are able to thrive in an inclusive global educational environment. Everyone has a complex identity, and the different aspects of your identity are important when deciding on a program and location. Review our Social Identity Pages to assist you when selecting a program that best fits your interests and needs.
AIDE General Social Identity Resources

Sustainability

We are the first education abroad provider to sign on with the
Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE).
Focused on making education abroad carbon neutral, we include
carbon offsets for all participants' return flights, environmental
education connecting students on the ground to environmental
projects, and make our own business practices more
sustainable.