MPA Students in Ireland

Sixteen students took last summer’s Comparative Public Policy course to Ireland, studying a variety of subjects such as fishery management, environmental policies, and the health system – all in the context of Ireland’s continuously growing economy. The students got to experience Dublin’s city center, a production at the Abbey Theater, a variety of weekend getaways all over the country, a day of classes and tours in Belfast, and a final night together at a wild Irish houley, complete with Irish step dancers and a traditional Irish band!
 
In Dublin, our host was the Irish Institute of Public Administration (IPA). It was interesting to see posters on bus kiosks and subway trains for the IPA, much like the posters for Suffolk’s graduate programs here in Boston. The IPA has the same vibrant culture as our MPA program, with the same dedication to advancing the public service – just a different accent in the classrooms. Classes at the IPA concentrated on subjects such as Ireland’s health care policies, Irish literature, and modern Irish history.
 
Professor Brendan Burke is excited to take responsibility for the Ireland trip this year. He says, "Not only is this a great opportunity for me as a first-generation Irishman to learn more about my roots, but Ireland is a fascinating study in politics and public administration. We can learn a lot from the Irish and their economic and social progress over the past decade or so.” Reflecting on last year’s trip, Professor Burke remarked, “The camaraderie between students, and with us faculty, was very enjoyable. I knew that I would make contact with some relatives when I went over to Ireland and then on to England after the class. I didn’t expect to feel like part of an extended family, with our Suffolk students, but that’s exactly what happened.”