In the country of Yeats, Wilde, and Joyce, sixteen-year-old Charlie Bruno looks to escape the recent death of his parents by enrolling in a study abroad program for troubled youths. At his side is Tony Hughes - a musician and hit with young ladies - who too has good reason for exodus. For Charlie, Tony, and their fellow students, schooling goes far beyond the classroom. Lesson plans include experimentation with art, drugs, sex, nightlife, and the irrepressible desire to bleed their youth of all its inherent potential.In Ireland - a place of incessant rainfall - this group of scholars thirst for a means of navigating the overwhelming possibilities their vast futures have to offer.While diligently attempting to lose his virginity, Charlie is joined by a group of adolescents similarily venturing to exorcise their innocence in hope of discovering wisdom. As these young people are ferried from adolescence to adulthood, they do their very best to look over the side, rock the boat, and taste the water - without growing too seasick.