Dr. Niamh Hamill is the primary lecturer for this series of classes. Niamh is the Director of the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland and a lecturer in comparative Irish studies. She has a PhD in History from Drew University NJ and an M.A. in American Studies from University College Dublin.

Niamh is head of the academic department at ISAI and drafts the syllabi and curricula for visiting student groups. The syllabus for the Global Perspectives program was selected in consultation with academic colleagues across the U.S.A to maximise the development of cultural competency and critical thinking.

Jeff Badger is an artist and educator based in southern Maine. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Southern Maine Community College and teaches in the studio arts and humanities. Professor Badger is the founder and Coordinator of the Global Studies Center at SMCC, managing study abroad and international programming for the college. His experience in intercultural studies programming includes curatorial work in Japan, Spain, and Greece, and teaching collaborative academic courses in Iceland, Italy, and Spain. Global Perspectives Through The Narratives of Ireland, developed collaboratively with ISA Ireland, is the first system-wide international program offered by the Maine Community College System

We have many interviews and chats with a range of experts, lecturers and guests who have first-hand knowledge and experience of our topics- this includes Dr. Paula Meehan, former Professor of Poetry Ireland (pictured), Professor Christine Kinealy, Quinnipiac University, Professor Liam Kennedy, Professor Diane Negra, UCD, Senator Eileen Flynn, Niall O'Dowd, Don Mullan, Úna-Minh Kavanagh, Femi Bankole, Ailbhe Smyth, Captain Bartley McFadden, John O'Connell, Rory Fallon, Conor Donnan, Syliva Rios& more. We also have site visits to many places of interest in Dublin, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim & surrounds.

Ireland's multifaceted history includes narratives of colonization, displacement, emigration, civil rights movements, conflict resolution, peace building and the challenge of building better in the 21st century. All of these events provide us with excellent material for comparative and critical thinking about ourselves, our community, and our past, present and future

Each of the modules in this course are based on core values of empathy, cultural awareness, social justice and environmental responsibility. Students engage with each of the classes through creative assignments that will develop intercultural skills and global experiences. These are invaluable tools to take with on your future or current career path, but more importantly, make you a more informed and educated world citizen.

You may not yet have had the opportunity to travel or study abroad, but we hope that this program will encourage you to consider it. The world is full of exciting and interesting places and people. Ireland is a tiny example of all that happens outside of your country, and it will provide you with a friendly introduction into things we have in common, and the differences in our cultures. This is the beginning of a beautiful adventure!