The Institute of Study Abroad Ireland
The Institute of Study Abroad Ireland (ISAI) has spent 15 years building one of the strongest U.S.–Ireland education pipelines within the 2-year college sector.
Based in Bundoran Donegal, ISAI provides a study abroad programme to students in community and technical colleges who rarely benefit from traditional study-abroad models. ISAI’s model introduces them to Ireland as a place of professional possibility, cultural value, safety, travel, and long-term connection.
ISAI’s mission is to remove barriers, expand participation, and build inclusive, cross-cultural connections. Through accessible programming, diverse staffing, equitable partnerships, and financial-support initiatives.
Their academic offerings attract participants from STEM, healthcare, business and entrepreneurship, and the humanities, ensuring access for a wide range of disciplines.
In addition to on-site programming, ISAI collaborates with the Consulate of Ireland (Atlanta) and the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide free online Irish-studies courses. Their two major digital offerings are Global Perspectives through the Narratives of Ireland and Imperfect Parallels: The Civil Rights Movement in the USA and Northern Ireland.
A central part of the ISAI experience involves the Irish language. Every visiting group is introduced to the basics of Irish, and ISAI collaborates closely with partners in the Donegal Gaeltacht. They are currently developing a free beginner-level online Irish language course, set for release in 2026, to extend access even further.
ISAI also delivers professional-development programs twice annually, equipping U.S. educators to integrate Irish themes into curricula and enhance internationalization efforts. These programs include visits to Atlantic Technological University and Technological University of the Shannon, strengthening pathways for future graduate and postgraduate collaboration.
ISAI now reaches approximately 1,000 U.S. students and faculty on-site in Ireland each year, and another 1,000 through online learning.
ISAI’s collaborative model is built on equitable partnerships with educational, cultural, and community organizations. In the United States, major partners include 300+ community and technical colleges, AFS USA, CCID, the African American Irish Diaspora Network, Celtic MKE, Women of Irish Heritage, Irish America 250, and the network of Irish Consulates (with primary liaison Robbie Hull, Consulate of Ireland Austin, TX).
In Ireland, ISAI works with a wide network of organisations such as the Clinton Institute of American Studies (UCD), Black & Irish, the Royal Irish Academy, Donegal County Council, Donegal Tourism, OPW Donegal, Discover Bundoran, Discover Ballyshannon, Arranmore Island, Oideas Gael, Education in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Museum of Free Derry, Ulster University’s McGee College, and numerous small businesses and community providers across the Northwest.