The Fairy Bridges in Bundoran will be part of NECC’s first study abroad program for high school students.

For the first time this summer, Northern Essex Community College will offer a study abroad course in Ireland for high school students who want to earn college credits.

Modeled on the short-term study abroad courses that the college currently offers for its students, the English Composition course in Ireland will run from June 24 to July 5 and include surfing and kayaking on the Irish coast, a visit to Derry City in Northern Ireland, tours of ancient castles, and lots more.  The course will explore ancient Ireland, Celtic arts and mythology, sustainability and ecology, and famine and emigration, among other themes.

“Northern Essex has a well-established study abroad program and many programming options for high school students who want to earn college credits,” said Marcy Yeager, executive director of PK-12 partnerships and international studies.  “We decided to combine these two resources and create a study abroad program specifically for high school students.”

Last year, over 400 high school students took courses at Northern Essex, earning credits and getting a jumpstart on college.  Northern Essex has partnerships with 20 colleges in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  Students can earn up to a full year of college or take a course or two to test the water and get prepared for college level work.

The cost of the Ireland Study Abroad Program is $3650 which includes round trip airfare and all transportation, housing and meals, and all activities and excursions.

For more information on studying in Ireland, contact studyabroad@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3332.

For more information on taking college courses while in high school, contact NECC’s PK-12, pk12@necc.mass.edu or 978 659-1235 or visit the website.

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, close to 8,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,600 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.