FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If we don't answer your question below please send us an email at morrisd3 @xavier.edu or morrisk10 @xavier.edu [remove the spaces from the email addresses]

TRAVEL

Where should I fly into and when?

• Fly into Dublin airport (DUB) on the date shown on the schedule. This means that you probably will need to leave the US the day before you are scheduled to land into Dublin.

• Do NOT book flights until the dates are confirmed. The schedule can be dependent on the number of students who sign up.

• Make sure you have the Electronic Travel Authorization (see Do I Need A Visa? below)

Where should I fly from when leaving the UK and when?

• Fly out of London Heathrow (LHR) on the day shown on the schedule if flying back to the US. 

• If you're staying in the UK then you can email Dr Morris for advise about how to get back to the US. 

• There are a few airports in London. If you're flying to the US then you'll probably fly out of London Heathrow (LHR). Other airports are London Gatwick (LGW) or London Stansted (STN).

Can I come early or stay late to see more of Europe?

• Yes, but you don't have to! There are plenty of things to see in Ireland and the UK and it is well connected to the rest of Europe.

• If you visit Europe before the program please arrive into Dublin Airport on the day shown in the schedule. This will allow you to meet up with the rest of the students on time.

• If you are visiting the rest of Europe or the UK after the program then we can help you know your options about flying or taking the train.

 BEFORE I TRAVEL

Do I need a visa to enter Ireland?

The information below is for people with a US passport. If you have other passports please contact morrisd3 @ xavier.edu (remove spaces to use email address)

• US citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland for up to 90 days.
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ireland.html 

Do I need a visa to enter the UK?

The information below is for people with a US passport. If you have other passports please contact morrisd3 @ xavier.edu (remove spaces to use email address)

• You need something but you don't need a visa. You do need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). To get an ETA go to the British Government website after February 1st 2025. You'll be charged £10, and the ETA will be electronically linked to your passport so there will be no paperwork related to it that you need to carry. The ETA will be valid for 2 years.

• The difference between a visa and an ETA is the amount of time that it takes to process the application and depth that the relevant government goes into screening. The UK government website says that you don't need a visa to study in the UK for less than 6 months. Click here to see the statement relating to students, and here for the statement relating to professors.

How much cash should I bring?

• Britain and Ireland are increasingly becoming a cashless economy with contactless paying become the norm in shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Your credit card is likely to work there but you should be aware of the foreign transactions fees. If you can then you could look into getting a credit card without a foreign transaction fee because those fees can build up during a long trip like this.

• If you have the opportunity to bring cash then to reduce the chance that you lose it then you should not bring too much. 

• It is possible to get cash out of an ATM (called a "cash point" in the UK) but be aware that your card/bank will charge you extra.

What should I pack? How much should I pack?

• We'll be moving around the UK and Ireland during the program on public transport and you'll be responsible for carrying/pulling your own luggage.
  Don't pack a large piece of luggage.
  We recommend compact luggage with a laptop bag/backpack.

• There will be opportunities to clean clothes at launderettes in each city so you don't need to pack clean clothes for each day.

• As a guide the following outerwear would be useful:

  • 2 sweaters

  • 2-3 t-shirts / tops

  • 2 pairs of shorts

  • 2 pairs of pants

  • possibly sandals as well as shoes

  • thin raincoat

• You'll also need a tablet/laptop with relevant power cables.

• USA-to-UK adapter. British sockets are not the same as US plugs.

• Do not bring hairdryers or straighteners because the British electricity grid runs on a different power rating and it will destroy them.

WHEN SIGNING UP FOR CLASSES

How many courses do I need to sign up for? Which courses do I need to sign up for?

• You'll sign up for Energy course(s) AND one English course. If in doubt please contact Dr. Morris.

DURING THE PROGRAM

How hard are classes?

• We know that part of the study abroad experience is to experience the country that you're in so there will not be exams or pop-up quizzes. During the day we'll cover new topics either by carrying out an experiment, making observations as we walk around various sites, discussing topics in cafes or over an ice cream... during these moments there may be worksheets for you to complete or reflections for you to write. All assignments during the program will have time set aside so that you will not need to work during your free time.

• The final project is due a few weeks after the last day of the program. During the program you can take photos, videos, and make notes to help you. It is important that you are thinking about the project during the trip.

• You'll be guided through any calculations that you're asked to do during the program and you'll have help as you work on them.

Will we be walking a lot?

• We will be walking. Whether you class the amount of walking as a lot depends on your typical amount of walking. You can expect to walk 1-3 miles at a time with breaks for discussing the science.

• Students in previous iterations of the program have worked a minimum of 10,000 steps per day.

• For comparison, from Victory Parkway & Dana to Montgomery Road & Dana is 0.6 miles.

• If this concerns you then please contact us.

What is there to do when we're not in class?

• It's up to you... 

  • explore the differences in British and Irish shops compared to America... 

  • talk to the locals - you are probably the first American that they've met and you may be the last that they meet... 

  • stroll along the beach - there is no part of the beach that is off limits... 

  • climb the hills - or take the bus to the top... 

  • play in the sea - if you're brave enough for the cold and the jellyfish you may want to swim... 

  • experience the British nightlife - pubs and clubs are worth visiting... 

  • delve into the culture - there will be art galleries, museums, theatres, and live music... 

  • if you want to chill in your room then what's different about British TV...