Studying abroad in Galway with API is hands down the best decision I've ever made in my life. First of all, Galway is my favorite place in the world. I had been there twice before studying abroad but only for a week at a time. I grew up obsessed and constantly curious about Irish culture because both of my grandparents were from there. When I visited for the first time, I knew that I had to go back for longer and actually live there for a little to see if I'd actually like to live there permanently when I graduate. API helped make this happen for me. I would totally suggest this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Galway, Ireland or even anywhere else in the world! They made everything so easy. The second we stepped off the plane, our resident directors were there to pick us up and take us to where we'd be living throughout the semester. They instantly made us feel right at home. The location of Gort na Coiribe was perfectly placed so closed to not only campus but the city centre and also grocery stores and the shopping center. It couldn't have been more convenient.
API roomed us with one other American student from our program in an apartment with local students. It was the perfect mix for really getting involved with the new culture and also having the comfort of home if you felt like you needed it. The resident directors, Finn and Kevin, were willing to help with anything ranging from school to sickness to travel plans. They really made a genuine effort to make it feel like home for all of us and they absolutely did so. API took us to Irish cultural events within Galway that kept us busy, helped us learn more about the amazing culture we were in, and allowed us to have fun in new ways with the friends that we all made. They also set up a trip for us to go to Edinburgh, Scotland which allowed us to learn about a different culture and really helped a lot of us feel more comfortable in making plans to travel on our own.
Traveling was so easy with the help of the resident directors and I ended up going to Scotland, Iceland, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands over the course of the semester. Every trip was amazing and it gave me more confidence to travel more and also gave me an insight to so many new cultures. It was incredible. No matter where I went, I was so happy to get back to Galway. Throughout the course of the semester, it truly felt like home. I did not want to leave one bit. The city itself is so lively and fun but the amazing people truly make it such a special experience. There was always something to do or somewhere to go. I loved being able to walk the Salthill Prom and enjoy everything that Galway had to offer. Traveling within Ireland was so easy too because of it's great bus systems. I got to go everywhere that I wanted to.
The National University of Ireland, Galway was really an incredible school. The buildings were beautiful and I can actually say that I enjoyed the classes. We were mixed with American, local, and even international students. I've never experienced anything like it! I was so excited to talk Irish language classes because its my grandparents first language and I've wanted to learn since I was little. It was so great to be a part of an international education system while simultaneously getting credits for my degree at my home university. It was perfect. The campus had everything students could need and more and provided endless opportunities for people to get involved in any activity that you could think of. It was just all set up perfect to cater to everyone.
All in all, Galway stole my heart. I think about it every single day and I want to go back so badly. I am so grateful that API gave me the opportunity to have this experience in my life and for it have so many positive effects on me. I feel so much more confident in myself and all my goals. It helped me realize that I can make traveling a part of my life and career. It helped me get one step closer to starting a life and career in Galway. I can't thank API enough. I can't recommend this program enough and for people thinking of study abroad to go out there and do it. It's unlike anything I've ever done. Galway and API changed my life.
