The LPI program is rooted in the Ireland trek.  The trek begins in Boston on what we call "Day 0."  This is a time to gather as a team, set goals and intentions for our time together, and get prepared for our upcoming travels.  (If students will be flying to Ireland from locations other than Boston, they will be able to join the Day 0 activities remotely).  We spend nine days, and eight nights in Ireland; beginning with a full week in Dublin and then heading out to the west coast for a final two days in Doolin, County Clare.

Travel schedule:

Tues, May 14 ("Day 0") in Boston (or via zoom)

Wed, May 15 - Tues, May 21 in Dublin, Ireland

Tues, May 21 - Thu May 23 in Doolin, Ireland

The main focus of the Ireland trek are the intensive training modules.  These modules are structured around 4 main topics: Career prep, communicating for impact, excel, and business acumen.  Although these modules rely on some basic academic foundational elements, they are really geared towards preparing students for the professional world.  For example, the communicating for impact series of training includes is focused on how students need to engage and communicate in the "real world."  Below is some additional detail on modules:

Each training module has a standard structure; we begin by introducing the key concepts, then move into specific use cases to bring the concepts to life.  Then the students will have an opportunity to learn by doing in specific, interactive exercises.  Finally, the group comes back together to review what was learned and reflect on what worked and what didn't work.  This approach sets students up to learn how to actually execute certain skills vs. just understanding what the concepts are.  Much of the time and effort in placed on the doing part and the reviewing part.

Moreover, the training modules during the Ireland trek are integrated into the broader LPI program.  These modules continue during the Professional Experience Program so that the learning continues long after the Ireland trek comes to a close.  Below is a high level plan for the delivery of all the training modules:

Training is helpful, but everything we do at LPI is rooted in real-world experience; that's why we will plan several visits to companies in Ireland to give participants a tangible feel for doing business in Ireland. 

During the Ireland trek, we will also participate in a number of business and cultural activities.  Some examples include visiting both small and large corporations, hearing talks on Irish business, history and politics, meeting with members from the US Embassy, touring the Guinness and/or Jameson factories, exploring the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.