Elon Global Start

Elon Global Start (EGS) is a first semester abroad opportunity offering a path to full-time, degree-seeking enrollment in the spring semester. The program, located in Dublin, Ireland, is designed to meet the needs of students’ ineligible for regular admission who wish to join the Elon community in North Carolina. This transformational international opportunity supports Elon’s focus on developing global citizens. Elon University is nationally known as a leader in engaged, experiential learning. Students are prepared to appreciate and respect all forms of diversity as they develop into informed leaders.

  • Benefit from rigorous academic experience combined with unique cultural and social activities outside the classroom
  • Robust in-country support including Site Director, visiting Elon faculty member and partner Big Pond Education
  • Elon campus support via dedicated Academic Coordinator of Alternative Start Program and the Isabella Canon Global Education Center (GEC)

Experience Dublin

When not in class, students have the city of Dublin at their doorstep. An Historic city settled by Vikings with centuries old traditions. A land of literary giants (a UNESCO city of literature) including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett and George Bernard Shaw. The city of literature is also the city of pubs, traditional Irish folk music, warm hospitality and some good craic of course.

Though steeped in tradition, Dublin is the tech hub in Europe. Serving as the European home for Microsoft, Google, Meta TikTok and Salesforce, experience old world charm in a modern city. Make the most of your time abroad experiencing the culture of a lively European city.

Academics

While in Dublin, your studies will be conducted at Dublin Business School (DBS), located in the heart of the city. DBS is located just south of the River Liffey minutes away from St. Stephen’s Green (large public park), Grafton Street shopping district and Temple Bar. Two courses are taught by an Elon visiting faculty member. Your other courses will be taught by DBS faculty members and you will be integrated in the greater DBS community.

The first semester includes:

  • The Global Experience: an Elon degree requirement taught by an Elon faculty member
  • Executive Functioning: Elon seminar course to prepare students for success at the university level
  • College Writing: English course focusing on writing skills
  • Irish Life and Culture: an introductory-level course to help students make sense of Ireland and fulfilling a requirement in the civilization category of the Elon Core Curriculum
  • Elective Course:  A DBS course in the arts and sciences that counts towards Elon Core Curriculum

In order to be eligible for admission to in the spring semester, Elon Global Start participants must complete all coursework successfully, achieving a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.

Program Partner: Big Pond

The in-country partner for EGS is Big Pond Education. Their team plays a vital role while in Dublin as they serve as the facilitator of the program.  From scheduling weekly events, coordinating your classes at DBS and teaching you how to be a true Dubliner your short stay in Ireland will be packed with extraordinary experiences. Here is what you can expect:

  • Weekend Study Tours to both the West Coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland
  • Weekly events including pub quizzes, movie nights, local soccer and rugby matches, museums and cultural events
  • Big Zero: Earn a Carbon Literacy & Community Action micro credential to help combat climate change
  • In-residence RA’s helping build community and providing support

Highfield House Apartments: Home away from Home

Students on the program will live in fully furnished single en-suite bedroom apartments in central Dublin alongside fellow EGS program participants and local and international students attending universities in Dublin. As in most European cities, walking or taking public transportation is common. DBS campus is about a 25-minute walk or 15-minute tram ride. While your classes are in the busy city center, enjoy a more relaxed setting as Highfield House is nestled between two quiet neighborhoods (Phibsborough and Stoneybatter).

Amenities include:

  • Private room and bathroom with a shared common space and kitchen
  • Fully equipped kitchen (no meal plan is offered).  Stove top, oven, microwave and cooking utensils
  • Full gym facilities, basketball court and common spaces to reserve
  • Easy access to grocery stores, coffee shops pubs and restaurants
  • 24/7 security presence with single dedicated entry and exit.  Key card access only.
  • On-site laundry facilities within the residence
  • Big Pond offices located within the grounds and live-in RA staff
Three students walking along a brick walkway in front of a brick building on Elon's campus.

Life at Elon

Elon Global Start students are expected to participate in Elon’s Spring New Student Orientation program. This experience will help orient you to the Elon University campus. This program is held two days before the star of the spring semester. The Academic Coordinator of Alternative Start programs will remain your academic advisor during your spring semester.

Expenses:

$33,000 includes:

  • Tuition for 15 credits that count toward your degree at Elon
  • Traveling Elon faculty member teaching two of your courses
  • Living accommodation; Single room en-suite bathroom and shared apartment with other Elon students
  • EGS Site director living in residence to support you while abroad
  • Home campus Academic Coordinator with access to the Koenigsberger Learning Center, tutoring and writing support
  • Study tours to the West of Ireland and Northern Ireland (accommodations and travel)
  • Weekly event programming from Big Pond and Elon site director

Flight costs and meals (no meal plan) are not included.  Students will need to have access to at least €3,000 while abroad for the fall semester.

Global Education

As a nationally recognized leader in study abroad, Elon University provides opportunities for students to become global citizens. Through Elon Global Start you may begin your college journey with a top-ranked program that enhances the skills necessary for success at Elon. The Elon Global Start program emphasizes integrative learning, connecting theory with real-world application, and prepares students to become informed leaders and engaged global citizens.

Summer Orientation

Elon Global Start (ESG) participants will meet on Elon University’s campus in summer 2025 for a special orientation. A second orientation will be held in Dublin upon arrival.

Students admitted to the Elon Global Start Program have until February 16, 2025, to submit their $1,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit through their Acorn Account — including those who applied as Early Decision applicants.

Upon return to Elon, all Elon Global Start students are expected to participate in Elon’s Spring New Student Orientation program. This experience will help orient you to the Elon University campus. The program is held on Saturday and Sunday immediately prior to the start of the spring semester.

Contact Us

Headshot of Bill Burress.

James Thurnes
Assistant Dean and Director of Transfer and Special Admissions
jthurnes@elon.edu