Eligibility & costs

Eligibility

You must be a US citizen aged at least 18

and,

A full-time student (at least eight credits) at an accredited US university/college or a recent graduate (within one semester).

Please note that if you are submitting student status for:

  • Fall 2009 semester, you have until June 30, 2010 to enter Ireland.
  • Spring 2010 semester, you have until December 31, 2010 to enter Ireland. USIT does not recommend arriving in Ireland during December and January as it can be difficult to find work during these months.

Costs

Work in Irealand programme costs

The Work in Ireland program fee for 2010 is $430 plus insurance. This covers administration and support in America and Ireland, overnight courier fees, program handbook, Lonely Planet guidebook and the first night's accommodation in Dublin with breakfast and orientation. Applicants in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico need to send an additional $10 for extra courier charges.

It could be some time after arrival before you receive your first paycheck so it is vital that you arrive in Ireland with sufficient funds in-hand to pay for accommodation, food, travel and other expenses during these initial weeks.

All participants are required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau in Dublin within a month of arrival. The registration fee is currently 150 Euros. At the time of registration you will receive your work authorization.

BUNAC recommends that participants have at least 2000 Euros available to them to ensure an anxiety-free start to the program. You should also be aware that when you first move into your permanent accommodation you will probably have to pay two months' rent (one month in advance and one month as security deposit).

Latest profile

Aimee M. Moreland

I traveled every chance I had, taking several short day trips along the Ring of Kerry. A friend flew in from the States we rented a car and traveled all around Killarney, east to Cork and then up to Galway, and back down to the Cliffs of Moher. I highly recommend traveling by car. I then took a week from work and flew to Brussels with three friends. We took a train to Amsterdam and spent a few days. I wish I had taken more time to travel around Europe as I had originally planned, but I was having such a good time in Killarney that it was difficult to leave.

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