Individualized Study Abroad with Burren College of Art
Ballyvaughan, Ireland • FALL OR SPRING OR SUMMER TERM
Spring 2027 Application Deadline: October 9
What is an Individualized Study Abroad Program?
This external program type allows you to study abroad and transfer credit to ArtCenter to fulfill major and/or H&S requirements with approval. You may also use state/federal aid if you are eligible through FAFSA.
What is Burren College of Art?
Burren College of Art is a study abroad program located on the west coast of Ireland. Students apply to Burren and study there for a semester or summer while earning transfer credit toward their ArtCenter degree.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Submit application to ArtCenter Global Programs portal
Step 2 — Once approved by Global Programs, apply directly to study abroad program
Step 3 — Forward your study abroad program acceptance notification to Global Programs
For a detailed breakdown of the full process, visit this page.
Application Deadlines
Submit ArtCenter Global Programs application by:
February 1 — Summer or Fall term abroad
September 1 — Spring term abroad
Study abroad program deadlines vary but are typically due one term prior to your term abroad. Check your program for exact deadlines.
ACADEMICS
Majors
Fine Art • Illustration • Photography & Imaging • Other majors may be eligible
Credit
Transfer up to 15 credits to ArtCenter
Students seeking transfer credit must complete ArtCenter's Individualized Study Abroad Authorization process.
Schedule
Fall Term: Mid-August - Mid-December
Spring Term: Mid-January - Mid-May
Summer Term: Mid-June - Late-July
ELIGIBILITY
• Have completed at least three undergraduate terms
• Have at least one term remaining at ArtCenter after returning
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application
• Not have previously participated in an individualized program
If you are not sure if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, you are still welcome to apply.
COST
Administrative fee
Pay a $250 fee to ArtCenter’s Global Program Office to confirm your participation.
Tuition
Participants in Burren College of Art program pay all tuition and program fees directly to Burren College of Art. Please follow this link for a full breakdown of these fees and what they cover. No ArtCenter tuition will be due for this program.
Additional estimated expenses to consider
• Round-trip international airfare: up to $1,500
• Passport: $135
• Visa (if required)
• Daily living expenses (meals, cellphone charges, toiletries, etc.): $50–$60 per day, varies by location and personal budget
Financial Aid
• You may use eligible state and federal financial aid if you complete ArtCenter’s Individualized Study Abroad Authorization process.
• ArtCenter institutional scholarships and grants are not available for this program.
• Additional scholarships may be available from outside sources artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away
Housing
Burren College of Art offers campus accommodation for undergraduate study abroad students at three locations:
The Lodge — An 11-room residence set on extensive grounds with inspiring views of the Burren, a 10-minute walk from the college and 35 minutes from Ballyvaughan village.
The Bungalow — Adjacent to the Lodge, with 2 en suite double bedrooms and 2 single rooms with a shared bathroom, spacious communal area, sitting room, fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Newtown House — One of the original campus buildings, located next to the 16th century Newtown Castle, offering six twin/double bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, shared communal spaces, wi-fi, and nearby laundry facilities.
Visit this link for more information.
About The Program:
Burren College of Art is located in the stunning Burren region of County Clare, Ireland — a unique institution dedicated to the study of visual arts. The college hosts 40 students, a combination of study abroad undergraduates, postgraduate students, and artists-in-residence from around the world. This intimate community creates an exciting platform for discussion, artistic collaboration, and cross-disciplinary exchanges.
Students are assigned a large private studio space for the duration of their program with 24/7 access. Courses are delivered in-studio, on a tutorial basis, or as group courses, with individual advising sessions throughout.
Learn More
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Ballyvaughan is a charming village located in County Clare, Ireland, nestled along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Known for its stunning coastal views and proximity to the Burren, a unique limestone landscape, Ballyvaughan offers a blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. The village features traditional Irish architecture, local shops, and cozy pubs where visitors can enjoy live music and delicious seafood.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nearby attractions like Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher. With its friendly atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, Ballyvaughan is a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway or a base to explore the rugged beauty of the west coast of Ireland.
Find out more about Ballyvaughan here.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!
Fall & Spring
Students normally take 5 courses per semester, each carrying 3 credits, in areas including Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, and Photography. Adjunct courses such as Art & Ecology, Art of Daily Living, and Walking as Art Practice are also available at Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, and Independent levels. A weekly visiting artist program and regular trips to galleries in Dublin, London, and Berlin ensure students are exposed to the best of European contemporary art.
Summer
Students can participate in the Global Ecologies Studio Summer School, investigating how social and earth ecologies coexist through a combined science and fine art practice. Field trips and walking excursions into the local landscape are a core component. Students may earn up to 6 credits upon successful completion (3 studio, 3 science). Summer School page.
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Students choose which orientation in drawing is most suited to them and develop their ideas and skills in consultation with faculty.
Students may propose an emphasis at Advanced or Independent levels. Emphases on Drawing and Environmental or Ecological Engagement are particularly welcomed. These courses satisfy both the major and elective requirements for studio practice. Courses include:
BCADR 2 Intermediate Drawing
BCADR 3 Advanced Drawing
BCADR 5 Independent Study Drawing
BCADR 6 Life Drawing
See full course descriptions here. -
We consider painting to include visual enquiry and expression of ideas through colour and fluid mediums of any kind, possibly in conjunction with other materials. Painting ranges from traditional 2D mediums such as oil, acrylic and watercolour to experimental use of any fluid medium as well as the digital extension of painting.
Students are encouraged to experiment with the painting process, including the use of different grounds. We do not favour any one approach to painting and we encourage students to discover and develop their personal artistic standing as painters.
Advanced and Independent Study Painting students have the option of declaring an emphasis in their course and to have it represented on their transcript.
Approved emphases are: Figurative Painting; Abstract Painting; Narrative Painting; and Painting and Ecological Engagement and Landscape Painting. Students wishing another emphasis to be identified on their transcript may apply for approval at the time of registration.
These courses satisfy both the major and elective requirements for studio practice.
BCAPA2 Intermediate Painting
BCAPA5 Advanced Paining
BCAPA7 Independent Study PaintingSee full course descriptions here.
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We consider sculpture to be an open field of material practices that can additionally include aspects of other modes of art making including 2D images, 4D virtual realities, sound, video art, performance, political and socially engaged practices. Sculpture can also include temporary installations, permanent public sculpture and the world wide web as a platform for art.
Our approach to teaching sculpture is inter-disciplinary and focused on 'joined-up' thinking and action. We encourage a research-based studio practice that leads to innovation and the discovery and development of the students personal artistic language.
Approved emphases at Advanced and Independent levels are: Sculpture in the environment, Ecological sculpture, Interactive and Socially Engaged Sculpture, Installation and Public Sculpture, Duration and Movement, Figurative or Sound and Virtual Space. Students wishing another emphasis to be identified on their transcript may apply for approval at the time of registration.
These courses satisfy both the major and elective requirements for studio practice.
BCASC1 Intermediate Sculpture
BCASC3 Advanced Sculpture
BCAS4 Independent SculptureSee full course descriptions here.
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Burren College of Art considers Photography to be a vehicle of expression, perception and artistic voice. Technical instruction is provided as appropriate. The program is designed to encourage student engagement with the concepts as well as the mechanics of the field.
Due to the relatively small scale of the college, students have a high level of concentrated access to the photographic facility as well as to tutors, peers and visiting artists. As well as working individually on guided or independent projects, students may also choose to work on a team-orientated assignment. Cross-media interaction and collaboration are actively encouraged.
Approved emphases at Advanced and Independent Levels are: Landscape and Environmental Photography; Experimental and Conceptual Art; Street and Studio Portraiture; Documentary Photography; or another proposed emphasis, subject to faculty approval.These courses satisfy both the major and elective requirements for studio practice.
BCAPH1 Introductory Photography
BCAPH3 Advanced Photography
BCAPH4 Independent Study Photography
See full course descriptions here. -
Students may chose up to two liberal arts courses to complement their studio courses. Burren College of Art recommends all students take Irish Studies.
BCANS1 Irish Studies
BCANS2 Art History
BCANS3 Creative WritingFind full course descriptions for the above courses here.
BCAAE1 Art and Ecology
BCAAJ2 Art in Context
BCAAJ4 Walking as Art Practice
BCAAJ6 The Art of Daily LivingFind full course descriptions for the above courses here.
