Study Abroad Programs in Galway, Ireland

Prepare to Study Abroad in Galway

Set goals

Your time abroad is what you make it! Set clear intentions to shape your Galway adventure.

• Define your academic focus. This allows you to select classes that match your degree, and every credit contributes toward graduation.
• Decide how immersive you want your stay to be. Living with locals creates deeper cultural connections, while living independently offers more privacy and flexibility.
• Identify personal growth goals. Studying abroad sparks powerful self-discoveries, such as gaining independence or building confidence.
• Outline travel goals. Galway is an excellent launchpad for weekend adventures.

Understand the benefits

Galway offers much more than beautiful scenery, and studying here can genuinely enhance your education.

• Study in English at reputable universities. Earn academic credit and focus on your major without language barriers.
• Study history where it happened. Many classes include off-campus learning along Ireland’s beautiful west coast, exploring castles, medieval landmarks, and scenic landscapes.
• Build meaningful connections outside the classroom. Courses often include hands-on experience in schools or cultural centers, enabling participation in service-learning and arts programs with local impact.
• Gaelic courses are available and spoken locally! Irish classes deepen understanding of the country’s culture. And where better to learn it than a place where it's still part of everyday life?

Things to know

Heading to Galway? Here are a few essentials to help you plan.

• Cost of living. Galway is budget-friendlier than Dublin but still lively with food, music, and fun.
• Visa process. International students need a visa to study in Galway for courses over three months. Non-EU students must register with the Irish authorities after arrival for long-term residence permission.
• Public transportation and intercity buses are affordable and easy to use. City buses and regional routes make weekend travel easy and low-cost.
• Weather reality. Galway’s weather is famously moody, but locals embrace it with a smile.