Engineering Study Abroad Programs in Galway, Ireland

In the summer of 2023, I landed in Galway, Ireland to work with Galway Autism Partnership (GAP). What followed was two months of exploring Ireland’s culture, creating deep friendships, and bonding with Galway’s Autistic community. As club facilitators, my fellow ISA volunteers and I helped improve the quality and quantity of GAP's clubs and events. Galway Autism Partnership was able to execute a record 20+ camps in just over 6 weeks, attended by 120+ different participants with our assistance. Children and teens enjoyed special interest camps that highlighted dance, baking, cooking, outer space, and more. I am fortunate to have fostered positive relationships with GAP's regular attendees, full-time staff, and temporary volunteers through my program. Even today, I remain in contact with GAP managers, staff, and friends I met through ISA service-learning. In addition to working with GAP, I immersed myself in Ireland's rich culture. My ISA friends and I found ourselves frequenting trad nights, cheering on Gaelic football and hurling games, and biking along the Aran Islands. Our visit felt full of spontaneous trips to Dublin, walking around Galway's local markets, and trying new restaurants. To this day, my ISA friends uphold our WhatsApp groupchat "GAP girlies" to catch up and discuss when we'll meet for a reunion. My experience was educational and fulfilling. Often, I remember a particular camp, teen, or parent who changed my perspective on caring for such a vulnerable population. Even more so, what it means to have the honor of developing a relationship with a differently abled person. Working on special interest camps and facilitating clubs with GAP solidified my passion for helping a community achieve its goals. It also strengthened my knowledge of cultural competence and true allyship. I am very appreciative of the ISA service-learning program for this incredible opportunity that I hold close to my heart.

Unbelievable experience! Would do anything to go back. Galway is such a great city and there is no shortage of fun to be had. The university staff and study abroad staff are extremely welcoming and I couldn’t have asked for a better time.

I had a great experience with ISA in Galway! I participated in their service-learning program, where, instead of taking an academic course with a university, I interned with a local community radio station. There, I gained a lot of valuable experience working in radio, and I met a lot of incredible people! The program is structured amazingly, and places an emphasis on cultural knowledge and the overall impact of study abroad programs. I learned a lot from my coworkers about wider contemporary Irish socio-economic culture, and current relevant problems and debates.

One of the most common phrases you will hear is “what’s the craic?” It is a common phrase throughout University’s to discuss the level of fun one is having (ie. average, good, great). How did I learn this? Upon arrival, our IFSA resident director immediately introduced us to some of the common Irish phrases and words. Not only did our IFSA resident director tell us what they were, but we also had to practice them in context. This simple gesture helped guide us into our cultural immersion in another country while giving us the confidence to engage with fellow Irish classmates. This is what IFSA is best at - ensuring their studying abroad students succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Before enrolling in courses, IFSA held an orientation through what to expect when enrolling in courses. This more in-depth explanation actually led IFSA students to become a resource for other international students who did not get an in-depth orientation as we did. Furthermore, they promoted personal growth by encouraging us to immerse ourselves in the culture. For example, they encouraged me to learn Gaelic and live with a host family for a weekend. This is an experience I never would have done without the encouragement of our resident director. Finally, they held a meeting at the end of our study abroad experience about how to talk about your study abroad experience in a professional setting. In discussing what skills I learned and the different ways I could frame my study abroad experience, I have the confidence to talk about my study abroad experience in an interview. If I could do another study abroad experience, I would definitely choose to go through IFSA again.

Studying abroad in Galway was one of the best decisions I've ever made. For one, the city of Galway is absolutely incredible! There's so much history, and culture, and color, and I really felt like I was part of the community there. While abroad, few things would make me feel happier than taking a walk down to the Latin Quarter, grabbing a coffee at a cafe, and listening to the buskers performing on the street. My classes were really great as well. Naturally, school is school no matter where you go, but I was really lucky to get into some awesome classes on Irish culture, history, literature, and language. A few of my classes even included field trips up and down the west coast of Ireland. IFSA was a great support for me while I was abroad, thanks in large part to my on-site advisor, Rachel. She was like our big sister! And she clearly loved the city as well -- we'd often see her walking around downtown too and it was so nice to see a friendly face in an unfamiliar city. In short, this is the best program ever and you should totally study abroad with IFSA NUI Galway!!

How do I even begin to write a review about the program that changed my life? For awhile, I struggled to choose between Ireland and England for my study abroad experience, but once I discovered online all the beautiful places in Ireland, I had no doubt in my mind that it was meant for me to go there. I don't even want to think about how different my life would be right now had I not decided to study in Galway through CEA. Since January, I've become a happier, more independent and grounded person. I solo traveled, made amazing friends and memories through my CEA housing placement and learned to focus more on myself and what is right for me. I knew that I was meant to go to Ireland, but I initially didn't know where. Once I finally decided on Galway specifically, I felt no sense of regret nor indecision, which isn't usual for me, as practically the most indecisive person ever (according to others and myself). I didn't think that going to Europe would be possible for me, but I was accepted as an exchange student and received some scholarship money, so I would advise other interested students not to let finances discourage you too much. Also, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I would highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity while you have this chance!! CEA was extremely helpful and considerate during my time as both a student and mobile journalist through this program. Thomas, the on-site director, will also be in Galway to welcome and assist you, and he will remain there for you throughout the program. There is so much that I could say about Galway, but the main reason why I chose it is because I wanted to go to a place that is both lively and community-like––and I really made the best decision by choosing this program. I intend on returning to Galway someday, possibly even to live there again. Actually, it will be the European Capital of Culture in 2020, which sounds like an amazing time! You will never find yourself bored living in this small city, and I predict that you will fall in love with this place, just like I did. To me, Ireland is not just a place to study abroad for a few months, then leave and return to your usual routine. This is a destination for life, and it will change both you as a person and your perspective on everything in incredible ways. I didn't think that I would actually be able to go to Ireland, but now I cannot imagine my life without having lived there, which I can now say from my own experience is truly the most beautiful country, in terms of both scenery and humanity.

CEA responded to this reviewJune 10, 2019

Kelsey, thank you so much for your thorough review and wonderful photos! We are so glad you chose CEA for your semester in Galway and are grateful for and proud of all your hard work as a Mobile Journalist. Your detailed notes and tips will help guide future CEA students when researching their own study abroad destinations. “I cannot imagine my life without having lived there” is music to our ears

NUIG is a very large university - and with a large university comes large opportunities. But luckily, I wasn't thrown into it. I took the group flight IFSA offered, so when I arrived I was greeted at the airport with other American students. We went through two days of IFSA orientation - learning about our apartments, the walk to the grocery store (and how you have to bring your own bags), the walk to campus, the city centre, etc. After two days of thinking I had the hang of cooking and meeting new people (all 15 of them) I got thrown into a huge orientation at NUIG, with hundreds of international students there for the semester. Wow was I glad I had already gone through some of the stuff so I could get to know what campus was like! With this I joined multiple clubs on campus, went to some sporting events, a live comedy show, and so much more. I felt immersed in the Irish culture and my Irish university, but I couldn't have done it without IFSA!

Ireland has always been on the top of my bucket list of places I wanted to travel. My family has a lot of history rooted in Ireland and I have always loved the music, culture, and places I could travel. Planning my semester abroad, I knew immediately I wanted to study in Ireland and narrowing it down to studying in Galway wasn’t hard. I studied at the National University of Ireland in Galway, or NUIG, and took six classes ranging from culture and history to music appreciation. The university was amazing and gave me a lot of guidance on how to handle the differences in schooling and how to get involved in the student life in Galway. One of my main goals while abroad was to branch out and immerse myself as much as possible into the local culture and the university, so NUIG was a wonderful place to help complete that goal. The university and the students support the culture of joining student organizations, which at NUIG were nicknamed “socs”, which is short for societies. I joined two socs during my semester and remained very active in them. Through those socs, I was able to go on three different trips at a reduced rate that I also didn’t have to plan. I joined Traditional Music Soc and the Music Soc, which was an a cappella group. I was able to travel to Cork with the Music Soc and compete with Irish students for NUIG, which was amazing! I also got to go camping on one of the Aran Islands, travel and meet different music groups in Dublin, and had a steady group of Irish students to hang out with throughout the semester. Another one of my goals while abroad was to experience as much of Ireland as I possibly could in the short time I was there. IFSA was an amazing program to study through because the staff was helpful in not only planning successful program travels and helping me plan my own travels and navigate the semester in general. I had an amazing student advisor in Galway who was always available to answer any question I had, meet me for coffee when I was freaking out, and support me in any activity I wanted to do. The IFSA sponsored trips were run so smoothly and I had a blast! The biggest trip was the trip to Belfast in Northern Ireland, which I am so thankful was planned by IFSA. Northern Ireland was on my list of places I had to make it to while abroad, but I was unsure how I was going to be able to do everything I wanted to while most likely traveling alone. Going through IFSA, I didn’t have to worry about anything. Housing, tours, and several meals were planned by IFSA and hit all the places I planned on going. The other sponsored trip to Kilkenny was awesome too because housing and a few tours were already planned. Kilkenny was a city I hadn’t planned on going to, but I am so glad I got to experience. Plus, I was given the opportunity to learn to hurl! The IFSA staff also made sure I was safe whenever I traveled by having me check in my travel plans and my student advisor helped me plan my solo travel as well. IFSA was an amazing program to study through because not only was the staff amazing and the sponsored trips amazing, but almost every other detail I was concerned about before going abroad, and that came up while abroad, were already covered by IFSA or were quickly answered. Everything from flight plans to housing was covered through my program cost and through IFSA, which made my process so much easier than anticipated. My older sister studied abroad and had to figure out her own travel plans and housing plans, so I was prepared to scramble to find housing once accepted to the program. Finding out IFSA already took care of all of that was a huge relief. The apartments I lived in weren’t the greatest, but it was in a decent location (within walking distance of the university, city center, and necessities like groceries) and wasn’t the worst place to live. The apartments were decent student apartments so they weren’t anything luxurious, but they were great for a semester of study, especially living in an apartment complex with other university students. My semester abroad was everything I ever dreamed of and more. I was able to spend time getting to know amazing Irish people, experience the Irish culture, and explore the country I have been dreaming about since I was young. Adventuring through the Irish countryside was everything I ever dreamed it would be. I was able to make lasting friendships with Irish students, which not only made my semester amazing, but will continue to connect me to the country I fell in love with. Being an ocean away from everyone I know and love and away my main support system can be incredibly intimidating, but through my program and my organization involvement, I didn’t feel so alone. I had always heard from other people who studied abroad that they left a piece of their heart in the country they studied in and now I can relate. Ireland will always hold a piece of my heart and I will always be ready to hop on a plan and relive my dreams again.

My experience in Galway has been surreal. From the moment I moved into my apartment, I fell in love with the city and the people who inhabit it. Through CEA as well as my own personal excursions, I have had the opportunity to go to a hurling match, visit Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey, walk the Salthill Promenade, and take a weekend trip to Dublin. I meet new people every day who welcome me into the city and make it feel warm and close-knit. Each day I find a new part of the city or a new coffee shop that I didn't know existed. It's impossible not to smile when walking past lines of musicians performing on Shop Street. I have loved my time here and can't wait for all the new experiences the next 3 and a half months in this incredible city brings.

CEA responded to this reviewOctober 02, 2018

Thanks for sharing your experience studying abroad in Galway, Julie! -CEA

I loved my experience abroad at NUI Galway and IFSA-Butler made the transition easy!! With their staff in Dublin, they headed to Galway to help us register for classes, adjust to the culture, walk to the store, and understand more about the classes and culture. We were immersed with Irish students in our apartments, and although my roommates didn't keep it clean (AT ALL), everything else was great! And going through the class grading scale compared to American Universities was very important!

I was so incredibly surprised at how quickly Galway became a home for me. So many factors contributed to the ease of transition: the charm of this quintessential Irish city, the attentiveness of IFSA-Butler staff and immersion trips, and the kindness of the locals. The city of Galway itself, although smaller than Dublin, was constantly bustling with activity. Street performances, talkative shoppers, and old friends catching a pint on Shop Street could be found all day, everyday. The IFSA-Butler staff offer orientation that allows you to interact with the city for the first time with some guidance. This program also offers immersion trips, one to Kilkenny and one to Belfast, that further engage you with your new host country. Staff is also just a text or call away if you're facing any concerns or have any questions. Also, the people you meet in Ireland are some of the friendliest in the world. Locals would constantly strike up conversation and be genuinely interested in getting to know you or helping you out. You may have been told not to talk to strangers, but definitely do not follow that rule in Galway! Overall, study abroad was easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I hope you have a similar experience!

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.

Studying in Galway has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I lived with a mix of American and Irish roommates, both valuable in terms of homesickness and also exploring my temporary home. And there was much to explore! Galway, though smaller than Dublin, is full of culture, history, and people and surrounded by beautiful Irish countryside. All of Ireland is accessible from Galway, and the country's largest airport in Dublin is only a bus ride away, making the rest of Europe just as accessible. The program size when I attended was relatively small compared to some study abroad programs, but this ensured that the program leaders were able to give every student individual attention and we were able to quickly form friendships. Overall, I had a great time in Galway and wouldn't change a thing (except maybe bring a better raincoat).

Awesome. I can't imagine a better experience. The program directors were always available and very helpful. The Irish people by far were such a Genuine and friendly culture. The physical scenery was unreal. The rain didn't even bother me and made me appreciate every momen of sunshine. I did not get homesick at all.

Academic Programs International responded to this reviewJuly 24, 2015

We're so happy that you had such a fantastic experience!- thanks for sharing!

API Galway is an incredible program. The city of Galway is the perfect city to study abroad in. There is always something to do, the social life is vibrant, and the university is one of the top in the nation. The cultural experiences that the program has to offer help you to become emerged in the Irish culture.

Academic Programs International responded to this reviewJuly 24, 2015

We're so happy you had a fantastic time- thanks for sharing!

Going abroad to Galway was a dream of mine for over 8 years. When I found API I was immediately sold and honestly didn't really look at other programs. I knew what I wanted and API provided that. What I found was the amazing support API offered in the States as well as abroad. Our Program Director Finn was the most amazing woman I've ever met! You could go to her for everything and having 14 years of experience working for API in Galway there wasn't anything she couldn't help you with! While I may not have looked at other programs as much as other students did I was extremely glad I chose API. Talking with people from other programs it sounded as though they didn't even have a fraction of the help and support us APIers had. Finn was always there to help but never in a controlling, micro-managing or biased way. She let us do our thing and gave us every once of freedom but always let us know that she was there to talk about anything! Galway is hands down the best city in Ireland (maybe even the world) too! It has such an authentic Irish culture and vibe and the people are the nicest people you'll ever meet! I found, talking to other students in hostels, that people who chose Dublin, Limerick or Cork were sorely disappointed once they came to Galway and realized all they were missing out on. Most people went to Dublin because of the airports proximity and I can guarantee you that they did not experience the same Ireland we did! Galway and API are undoubtedly the best decisions a student could make!

Academic Programs International responded to this reviewJuly 24, 2015

We love your enthusiasm and are so completely thrilled that you had such an amazing experience- thanks for your thoughts and sharing your experience!

My semester in Galway, Ireland was a dream. Irish culture is so prevalent in the city from the weekend market to the students on campus. If you're looking for an authentic Irish experience, Galway it the perfect place. Most of my classes were with other Irish students and it really gave me the insight into the people I was surrounded by that I was hoping to gain from my semester abroad. The location of my apartment was ideal, being right between downtown Galway and campus. I was placed in an apartment with other people from API and Irish students. I loved living with the Irish students, it made it easy to form great relationships with them. Local program managers were always on-call and there to help me and the other students with whatever we needed. They were great at providing us with local cultural events throughout Ireland as well as international advice for every county I visited outside of Ireland. I also could not of asked for better people to meet through API, our whole group was great. On excursions with our program managers and other trips we always had a wonderful time and I will forever cherish all the memories we made. Study abroad in Galway, Ireland with API was absolutely perfect and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Academic Programs International responded to this reviewJuly 24, 2015

We're so happy that you enjoyed your trip abroad with API- thanks so much for sharing!

Studying abroad in Galway with ISA was the best decision I ever made! Everyone has heard that studying abroad is a life changing experience, but what a lot of people don't focus on is the people who make that possible. My study abroad experience would not have been anywhere close to as great as it was without ISA there to assist me every step of the way. When I was trying to decide what provider to use, ISA responded quickly to my e-mails, answering every question I had; in addition, when an ISA representative was on my campus, they took the time to meet with me to discuss my study abroad options. One of the greatest features of ISA is that they have on-site support in every country they send students to! My Resident Director was there for me 24/7, taking my group on excursions and around the city for cultural events, and taking the time to talk to me when I was having a bout of homesickness. With ISA, I had the chance to be independent in a new country while also knowing I wasn't alone. Having ISA plan our excursions, which was included in the program fee, was also fantastic. I got the chance to explore Ireland without having to plan the trips myself or figure out extra funds. With ISA, I got to see everything from the hillsides of Connemara and the bustling streets of Dublin. When I went to explore more of Europe with a friend, my Resident Director helped me with the planning, making sure I didn't end up with nowhere to sleep or stranded in another country! Galway itself was a beautiful city, with its main pedestrian shopping street leading down to the Galway Bay which features the Old Long Walk (a row of colorful houses on the water). The National University of Ireland, Galway was just a fifteen minute walk away from my apartment and the walk itself was gorgeous, overlooking an expanse of green only interrupted by the River Corrib. Although you may think that Ireland wouldn't have that different of a culture from the U.S., I can assure you that that is not the case! I had so much fun learning about the Irish culture and immersing myself in it, talking to locals and making friends along the way. Most people think of Dublin when they think of Ireland, but Galway is most definitely the cultural capital. I had the experience of a lifetime there, finding myself with a second home, and I could not recommend Galway, or ISA, any more highly to you.

The second I arrived in Galway, I felt like I was home. The city itself was absolutely incredible, and the ISA staff was so accommodating and wonderful. The RD's were so helpful and did their best to make our experience great. ISA had so many planned excursions and outings, which really made the experience that much more incredible. The assistance I received from ISA pre-departure was so helpful and encouraging, and I would encourage everyone to consider International Studies Abroad for their study abroad experience.

I have Irish heritage, so I always knew a trip to Ireland was on my bucket list. During the summer before my senior year I had that opportunity with ISA. I didn't realize the importance of choosing the right provider for me until after I got to Ireland. ISA picked us up at the airport and led us on our first excursion in Dublin, which was a blast. After two days we made it to our housing, Gort Ne Coiribe. Our program directors Mark and Dermott guided us through everything and made sure we knew where to shop, how to get to campus and into town, and that we were comfortable in our housing. Our oven didn't work and after we told Mark and Dermott we had a new one put in less than six hours later. My roommates traveled with another provider and their director was at times unreachable and didn't spend as much time with their group. That's when I knew I was happy I went with ISA. NUIG was an easy walk from our housing and the university was beautiful. The cafeteria wasn't on usual hours so I ate the majority of my meals in town or in my own kitchen. It was very easy to walk across the street to Dunnes to get groceries or even a mattress pad for my bed. The city centre of Galway was by far my favorite place to be. The streets were winding and colorful, always buzzing with people or street performers. I had fun shopping, trying different food, and sampling different pubs. Irish people were very friendly and welcoming (of course you had a few jokers who didn't love Americans, but that didn't bother us) and there was always something to do. We went on great excursions to scenic parts of Ireland with breathtaking views. Our housing was great; we had a three floor townhouse style place that had a kitchen, living room, four bathrooms, and washing facilities in walking distance. I would absolutely love to go back and do it all again.