Ireland Study-Abroad Practicum Program

Overview:
The Ireland Study-Abroad Practicum Program at the Baltimore International College Virginia Park campus in Ireland has been established for BIC students to polish their practical skills in a real-world setting. The practicum is taught at the Park Hotel, at BIC's historic, 100-acre Virginia Park campus in County Cavan, Ireland. The five-week program is required for all undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Culinary Arts or School of Hospitality Business and Management.

Culinary students will work in the Park Hotel's A La Carte Kitchen, further enhancing their skills and knowledge in European cuisine. Hospitality management students will work with the Hotel's administrative staff and have the opportunity to learn the day-to-day operations and rotate through the Hotel's various departments. Students will be required to work different shifts and a variety of tasks according to business needs.

General Information:
The Ireland Practicum is paid through the student's comprehensive fee. The fee covers the cost of round-trip transportation, room, board and courses that are taken at the Ireland campus. Students are strongly encouraged to bring sufficient funds to pay for additional purchases when in Ireland.

The Practicum:
All undergraduate students, with the exception of students pursuing a culinary certificate, bachelor's in culinary management ONLY, or Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree, are required to study at the Virginia Park campus in County Cavan, Ireland.

This five-week program will allow students to experience working in a professional hotel while enjoying the cultural heritage of Ireland and surrounding countries. Students will work alongside professionals, perfecting their techniques and skills.

Optional Study for Certificate and Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management (ONLY) Students:
All the students in the Culinary Certificate program and the Culinary Management bachelor's degree program have the option to take the Ireland Study-Abroad Practicum program in Ireland, based on availability. Students may elect, for an additional cost, to take either "a la carte" or "classical pastries" at the Virginia Park campus. Both classes require five weeks at the Virginia Park campus.

Students who elect to take either course at the Virginia Park campus will be charged, in addition to tuition and fees, the cost of the roundtrip ticket, room, board and a supplemental fee. Payment is due in full prior to departure. Students are responsible for all fees associated with the ticket, cancellation fee, etc. Students are required to purchase tickets through BIC.

Fellowships:
Fellowships are also available to students in addition to the Ireland Practicum. Students in the fellowship program work three to six months at the Virginia Park campus, gaining work experience in their areas of study. Participating students receive a stipend, as well as room and board.

Interested students may apply to the Dean of Instruction.