Elon Global Start

Elon Global Start (EGS) is a first semester abroad opportunity offering a path to full-time, degree-seeking enrollment for students in the spring semester. The program 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.

Students will spend their first semester studying in Dublin, Ireland.

Through Elon Global Start, students will benefit from a rigorous academic experience combined with unique cultural and social opportunities outside the classroom. Bolstered by a robust  support system, this one-semester experience supports students’ growth as global citizens and fine-tunes the skills needed to navigate their academic future.

Participants begin their college career in the Elon Global Start program by taking courses in an international setting with the support and direction of an Elon faculty member. All courses transfer to Elon and up to 16 credit hours count toward degree requirements. Students live in shared accommodations in Dublin.

Your First Semester

The first semester includes:

  • The Global Experience, an Elon degree requirement taught by an Elon faculty member
  • College Writing
  • 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
  • A one-credit seminar course to prepare students for success at the university level
  • One additional course of your choice

In order to achieve eligibility to join the Elon community in North Carolina in the spring semester, Elon Global Start participants must complete all coursework successfully, achieving a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.

Experience Dublin

When not in class, students have the city of Dublin at their doorstep. Dublin is the capital of Ireland and a dynamic city of nearly 550,000 people.

Ireland is a place to visit not only for its beauty and history, but because of its lively atmosphere. The Irish are known worldwide for their festive celebration and the country hosts many events and festivals along the year.

Students on the program will live in single en-suite bedroom apartments in central Dublin alongside fellow EGS program participants and local and international students attending universities in Dublin. There are common spaces, kitchens and laundry facilities within the residence. Food is not included on the program, as dining halls and meal plans are virtually non-existent in Ireland.

Three students walking along a brick walkway in front of a brick building on Elon's campus.

Life at Elon

Life at Elon after Dublin includes:

  • Beginning classes on Elon’s campus during the spring semester
  • Access to a rich array of global opportunities both on and off campus
  • One-on-one mentoring with an Elon faculty member and Theresa Higgins, Coordinator of Alternative Start

Every major, career or profession is influenced by the complex and interconnected world around us. As a university nationally recognized as the leader in study abroad, Elon Global Start students claim their global citizenship prior to their Elon undergraduate career. The approximate $33,000 program cost includes tuition, fees, program related experiences and housing for the fall 2024 semester. While meals and transportation are not included, the cost is comparable to a semester abroad on one of Elon’s Center Abroad programs and includes an opportunity for global engagement in one of Europe’s most livable cities. Elon coordinates a group flight that leaves from an East Coast city to be determined. Elon Global Start participants are accompanied to Dublin by an Elon staff member and met at the Dublin airport by program staff.

Planned experiences for Elon Global Start participants include:

  • Two weekend study tours: Northern Ireland (politically-themed) and West of Ireland (culture and landscape themed). All breakfast and dinners included.

Summer Orientation

Elon Global Start (ESG) participants will meet on Elon University’s campus in summer 2024 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, 2024, 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