Art & Photography in Ireland

Ireland has a rich artistic heritage that has translated into a thriving contemporary art scene.

Ireland

professional experience

Art & Photography

Scholarships up to €1000 available

Supporting the arts is considered so important in Irish society that in 1969 the government exempted artists from paying tax on income from creative works.

While this was capped in the last few years (mostly an unsuccessful effort to get U2 to pay tax), it’s left a legacy of Irish painters, poets, sculptors and musicians emerging to share their work, and creatives coming to live in Ireland from all over the world.

The photography scene is coming into its own in Ireland, with a national Gallery of Photography, several dedicated photography festivals, and artists such as Richard Mosse winning prestigious awards and critical acclaim. As Angel Luis Gonzalez Fernandez, director of the annual Photo Ireland festival, told TIME magazine recently,

“there is definitely a massive, well-informed arts scene here in terms of artists and curators… and now there is a more dynamic [photography] scene”.

Some interns will be placed right alongside a photographer, designer or artist, just like Sydnie and Kathryn.

At A Glance

Art & Photography in Ireland

Start Date

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Duration

8, 10 or 12 Weeks

Apply By

12 weeks prior to start date

Fees

8-weeks: €7250

10-weeks: €8595

12-weeks: €9950

What's included?

Airfare, materials for placement, visas and associated costs, mandatory health insurance, meals and spending money aren’t included.

Application fee

€95 Non refundable

Participant Fee

€500 Non refundable

Scholarships

up to €1000

Sydnie

Photography Internship

New Mexico State University

My visit to Ireland completely exceeded my expectations. I have to be honest, initially I imagined I needed to be an outdoor person to enjoy the country! I was definitely wrong. Ireland is a place where I want to be outdoors as much as possible. The imagery is so captivating and its visuals vary across the land. The landscapes are very alluring and simple to hike around.

"I loved my experience interning abroad. The internship was customized specifically to my interests and professional goals. I was able to work on projects which taught me a great deal about the field and I was able to see them start to finish.

My colleagues were also a great group of people and really helpful with my adjustment to interning and living in a new country. On the weekends, I was able to explore most of Ireland and even other destinations in Europe like London. I learned so much more about my host-country and myself, than I ever thought I would. I will always remember my journey and want to tell others, so they can experience life abroad.

I also lived with a host family, within walking distance to my placement, which was a unique and enjoyable experience. I was able to be immersed in Irish culture and the town where I was living. I would definitely recommend interning through Learn International, the staff are passionate and friendly. They provide affordable study abroad programs that allow more students the possibility to study abroad like myself. It was a valuable learning experience for me. It's a once in the lifetime experience!"

KathrynUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington, USA - Videography and Photography Intern

With the help of Learn International my visit to Dublin could not have been better. They assisted me immediately with any concern I had and were eager to hear about all of my experiences anytime I did something new. I shared many stories about my internship and how great my colleagues were. My internship allowed me to travel to different wedding destinations and see the historic venues Ireland had to offer. My advisor from Learn International was very personal with the way she assisted and interacted with me. I truly feel I had a friend by my side in times of need or just for lunch!

Speaking of food, Ireland wasn’t short of amazing places to eat and enjoy night life. I’ll never forget the evenings I spent watching performers dancing in pubs, streets and restaurants just to entertain us! The way the performers interacted with one another and the crowd really made for a genuine and friendly vibe in Ireland. I think about the six weeks I spent in Ireland almost everyday.

It has changed the aspirations I have in life and made my desires more meaningful. It is remarkable how big of an impact this country and program has had on me. I would not change it for a thing.

Sydnie RoperNew Mexico State University - Photography Internship

Unpaid placement*
Accommodation**
Application, résumé, cover letter and interview guidance
Excursions and social activities
Robust virtual orientation prior to starting the placement
Online learning portal
Cultural highlights and virtual events throughout the programme
24/7 in-country support
€150 stipend towards a professional development course of your choosing
Certificate of completion
Alumni network
Optional airport transfer (extra fee)
Optional academic credit through our School of Record or your home university (extra fee)

Airfare, materials for placement, mandatory health insurance, lunches and spending money aren’t included.

*Placements are for academic credit and are unpaid often do to visa requirements.

**From time to time homestays may be unavailable due to a housing crisis in Ireland. Additional fees could apply for alternative housing.

Where Will I Live?

We match students with a local family near their placement that’ll create a home-away-from-home for them. Living with a family immerses students in Irish life, culture, and customs. Not to mention the cooking! Have a look here to learn more about the Irish homestay experience.

From time to time, homestays may be unavailable. Alternative accommodation may be supplied and may require an additional fee.

Costs

We’re a small organisation, which helps us keep our fees competitive despite the fully customised programme we offer each student.

8-week programme fee: €7250
10-week programme fee: €8595
12-week programme fee: €9950

There’s an application fee of €95 and a participant commitment fee of €500 that are both non-refundable.

Airfare, materials for placement, mandatory health insurance, lunches and spending money are not included.

Professional Development Course

Learn International is dedicated to the commitment of lifelong learning. As such, your programme will include up to a €150 stipend towards enrolment onto a professional development course of your choosing to enroll in and complete while you’re on your placement.

For interns who decide not to avail of this opportunity, there will be no additional discount or cash back. Additional terms and conditions apply. Ask your Learn International Coordinator for more information.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships up to €1000 off the programme price. They are competitive, so act quickly and apply here now!

The scholarship application has two parts: a one-page essay about how the placement will contribute to your academic and career goals, and a choice of how you might record your internship experience. You can choose to either:

Write a weekly blog.
Submit a weekly video blog.

All scholarship recipients will also be required to:

Submit weekly photos we can use for social media and marketing
Write a testimonial at the end of the programme.

Requirements to Apply

Must be at least 18 years of age
GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
Proof of enrolment in a college or university
English proficiency of B2 and above
Ability to communicate and dress in a professional manner
Willingness to learn and accept constructive feedback
Working laptop for some placements are required
Other as applicable in your application

Application Deadlines

The application deadline is based on when you’re available.

Applications must be received at least 12 weeks before your intended start date.

Arrival Dates

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with arrival dates available on most Sundays throughout the year. Please speak with a Learn International Coordinator to confirm whether your intended arrival date is possible.