University of Miami Start Abroad in Dublin

DBS is Ireland's largest independent college. With over 9,000 students, DBS provides a comprehensive range of full-time and part-time undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and executive education programmes. A mere two minute walk from St. Stephens Green, the Luas and all main bus routes, DBS is truly in the heart of Dublin city. The educational sites in the prime city centre locations of Aungier Street and George's Street are within a few minutes walking distance of each other and provide students with access to all of the infrastructure capabilities of a vibrant modern capital city. 

Over the past 40 years, Dublin Business School (DBS) has developed a strong reputation for its student-centered approach to teaching and for providing a level of academic innovation not usually found in the more traditional Irish universities. You can study more than numbers here. DBS offers a broad range of courses and social opportunities, and its relatively small student population allows for close interaction between students and staff. Study facilities at DBS include the Undergraduate Library and the Postgraduate / Law Library. You have access to all of their up-to-date print and electronic resources including over 50,000 books, 194 print journals, over 750 e-book titles, 45,000 full-text electronic journals and an extensive portfolio of online databases. The libraries provide modern, state-of-the-art facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

With Dublin as your campus where there is always something going on. DBS will provide you with an outstanding study experience that enables strong academic outcomes by promoting a community and culture that is focussed on your well-being and success. DBS sports clubs are student-run and student-led with over 30 clubs there are a huge range of opportunities to train, play and compete in sport, no matter what your passion, ability or level. DBS also has more than 40 student societies, from FinTech and Data Analytics to Fashion, Photography and Debating, there's something for everyone! 

During the fall semester at DBS, students enrol in 12-15 college credits in full-time status. While DBS has “business school” in its name, it offers a broad array of coursework that is appropriate and relevant for most majors. Elective courses offered will include business, communications, humanities, and social sciences.

First-year Dublin students are required to take the Irish Life and Cultures and *Writing for College courses. Students then select two or three additional courses from DBS’s course offerings. These courses are eligible for transfer to UM as transfer credits. All courses are taught by local professors; instruction is in English. On returning to campus, courses successfully completed with a grade equivalent of a “C” or higher will be eligible for transfer credit. Courses will appear on students’ University of Miami academic records as transfer credit but will not be calculated into their UM Grade Point Average.

*Please note that the University of Miami has confirmed that Writing for College is part of the core curriculum overseas and will transfer back as WRS 105 to ensure that students are on track for their spring semester at the University of Miami.

The following courses are open to University of Miami students (please note this list is still to be confirmed for the fall 2026 cohort and is therefore subject to change):

*You are advised to take History & Politics, OR, War & Peace. Not both.

First Year Forward (FYF) is FIE’s signature first-year, zero-credit academic enhancement program in Dublin.  It is grounded in High Impact Education Practices.  Each of the sessions within the program have been specifically designed to be grounded in FIE’s values: Sustainability, Ethics and Human Rights and Inclusivity. Recent sessions have included guest speakers from the refugee council and local community tours. 

Students with a US passport, or who are not from the European Economic Area (EEA), and are staying in Ireland for more than 90 days to study will need to register with the Irish Immigration Service. The registration fee for this is €300.  FIE will assist students with the process once you have arrived in country.

All FIE student accommodation in located in central Dublin and well served by all of the necessary amenities necessary for the semester experience. Although residences vary, the standard of accommodation will be common throughout with accommodation based on single or twin occupancy bedrooms with a private bathroom. 

Please note that whilst many FIE students will be housed at the Binary Hub residence, it is not the only residence used by FIE throughout the year and other residences are used dependent on the semester. Other residences will be of a similar standard to the Binary Hub, with accommodation based on either single or twin bedrooms with their own private bathroom and varying facilities dependent on the residence. Students will be notified of their housing assignment within 30 days of the program start date.

Binary Hub is a purpose-built student residence just south of the River Liffey in central Dublin and FIE's primary student residence as well as the location of the FIE Dublin office. Close to the famous Guinness Storehouse and a multitude of shops and pubs, Binary Hub is a 20-minute walk to Dublin Business School (DBS). Students are typically housed in single or twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms, within 4, 5 or 6 bed apartments – sharing kitchen and common area space with other FIE students. Rooms are provided with a single set of bedlinen and a small towel for each student. Students are responsible for cleaning their own room and communal areas of the apartment, and their laundry.  Residents of Binary Hub can access the following on site amenities:

• Wireless internet
• Closet/clothing storage space
• Communal kitchen and dining space in each apartment
• Cookware and kitchen supplies
• Laundry facilities
• Fitness room
• Study lounge

The residence has a 24/7 staffed Reception Desk for any building related enquiries such as maintenance or mail collection. The FIE Dublin Residence Life Supervisors (RLS) live in the building and provide support outside of office hours and throughout the weekend as well as organising community events during the semester. Bedrooms are typically single occupancy but some students may be in twin rooms. Roommate requests are accepted but not guaranteed. Students will only be able to request one student who they would like to share their apartment with (will not be able to make requests to fill the entire apartment). Students will be housed with at least one other UM in Dublin student (subject to change based on the program’s gender balance).

All students participating in a program partnering with FIE have access to a broad and culturally enriching set of social and extracurricular experiences. Past activities have ranged from surfing on the West Coast of Ireland, to cow-patty hurling, roof-top ice skating, formal dinners, table quizzes, scavenger hunts, and day trips to the most iconic sights in Ireland, bog jumping, bodhrán lessons, Irish language practice, literary and theater festival attendance, cookery demonstrations, and sailing lessons. Students visit the FIE Office at Binary Hub to get guidance/advice on how to make the most of their time in Dublin.

The health, safety, and well-being of students is of the utmost importance to us here at FIE. Through preparation, orientation, and an open-door office, we ensure that everyone is fully supported throughout the entire study abroad experience. Visit our dedicated Dublin Health and Safety webpage for more information on local support and resources.

In addition to being covered by comprehensive, easy-to-utilize international travel insurance, FIE students also have access to professional counseling services if needed. You can find more detailed information regarding travel insurance, our mental health provision, and our disability policy on the FIE website.

Our Before You Go pages have additional information about what you can do before you travel to ensure you begin your study abroad experience positively and safely.

Dublin public transportation is easily accessible and consists of buses and trains conveniently located across the city. Many destinations are within walking distance in the city of Dublin.

Ireland uses the Euro as its official currency. Once you arrive in Ireland, you'll have access to ATMs to cover your immediate needs. Some places will accept card as a form of payment; however, smaller businesses, some taxis, and local markets still use cash only. It is important for students to notify their bank and creditors that they will be studying in Ireland prior to their arrival to ensure that the bank does not enact fraud procedures and deactivate or lock a student’s bank cards. Students may also want to check with their bank to see what kinds of foreign transaction fees may apply.