Study Abroad Programs in Galway, Ireland

Galway as a city was perfect in almost every regard: culturally rich, not too crowded, plenty of regular fun stuff to do. I couldn’t imagine better program advisors, they made most of the trip what it was. Finally, every excursion out to different parts of Ireland like the Cliffs of Moher or the Aran Islands was incredible.

Studying in Galway was an experience like no other I had ever had (especially academic wise). I primarily went to study literature but felt fully immersed in the history and culture of this amazing place. All staff was very accommodating and made sure our experience as students was great.

Going to Galway, Ireland was the best choice in studying aboard! When I was trying to find what country I wanted to go to, I saw Galway, Ireland and classes they had. The classes that they offered were so interesting!

My experience studying in Galway with USAC was seriously incredible. Everything was very organized, and the USAC staff are extremely helpful. I would recommend studying abroad to anybody, it’s a life changing experience.

I can't say enough good things about the USAC Galway program. Galway quickly became my favorite city I had ever visited. You get the perfect mix of a busy city, yet you're still surrounded by nature. There is so much to do between downtown, Salthill, campus, and surrounding areas. And Irish culture truly is everywhere in Galway, with the music on the streets, the Irish speaking areas nearby, and the summer festivals. University of Galway is a great campus and a great location. We stayed in Goldcrest Village, and I was blown away at how nice our dorms were! I took the Gaelic class and the Irish Music class and loved both of them. The course load is on the heavier side, but the material is really interesting and my teachers were great. There was a nice mix of learning inside the classroom paired with field trips and workshops. It was so special getting to learn about the culture while being immersed in it at the same time. The group flight that USAC offered was a big draw for me and it made the travel days so much easier. I loved that the program began in Dublin, not only for the sightseeing, but also for the chance to get to know the group before we even moved into Galway. It was a tiring 3 days with the time change, but very worth it. The field trips to Connemara and the Aran Islands were some of the biggest highlights of the trip for me and I have such wonderful memories from them. Overall, I was really impressed at how well the program was planned out and I felt like everything went really smoothly. I can't recommend this program more. I was pretty nervous going into it, but I knew as soon as I got on the plane that that was where I was meant to be. Everyone there was so nice and I felt like our whole program was one big group of friends. The personal growth, memories, and connections you get from studying abroad are priceless.

I honestly cannot recommend this program enough... if you're reading this, APPLY TO A PROGRAM!!! I was wary at first due to potential costs, paperwork, etc. I thought, "I could never study abroad, I wouldn't know anyone, I couldn't pay for the program." However, I took my time, committed to paperwork, and found that USAC was really understanding and patient about my financial setbacks. I spent 5 weeks in Ireland where I found myself amongst a group of such friendly people and our program director was amazing. Everyone was so attentive, and our visiting professors were so kind. I could categorize my life experiences into two sections: Before I Went to Ireland, and After I Went to Ireland, because this experience truly changed me. I lived with three other girls, and we spent our days doing homework, going to get pub chips in the afternoon, walking around town, and making dinner for one another. I haven't made friends so quickly before, and I am still in contact with them despite living in different parts of the country now. Some of the girls and I are planning an annual trip to return to Ireland this summer because we really found an amazing temporary home there. The visiting professors came from across Ireland and it made me feel so lucky for their commitment to travel and educate us. Outside of the program, we met so many amazing people from around the world, and it led me to lifelong friendships with friends from Germany and Ireland, who I have since visited long after the program ended. This program gave me the confidence that travel like this is 100% possible, and I have permanently moved to Germany (a week ago!) and I definitely would not have done this before this trip. You absolutely must apply, there's no time like the present. This could change your life! I'm serious!

I studied abroad in Galway, Ireland in the Summer of 2023. It was such an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I was able to leave the country for the first time and be immersed in the culture. The USAC staff supported me on every step of the way, but I still felt like I had freedom to explore on my own as well. I made amazing friends from my program and we would adventure throughout Galway. It is a beautiful city and by spending five weeks there I was able to truly get to know the ins and outs. I got to watch live traditional Irish music in a pub, as well as go on field trips to the beautiful Aran Islands and Connemara. Studying abroad helped me push myself and grow as a person and I can't wait to visit Ireland again!

My time in Galway is something I will look back on the rest of my life and be incredibly thankful for. Not only did I make friends that will last a lifetime, but I went places that I could only dreamed of visiting. Ireland is the most magical place, and it was the best introduction to being abroad for my very first time. The orientation director, Mark, helped me every step of the way and made it feel like home. He even came and fixed our water heater several times when the hot water was not working. I am just forever in awe of how little ‘ole me from a small time got to take the adventure of a lifetime across the ocean.

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.

I had a wonderful time on this study abroad program. The classes, housing, instructors, orientation, everything was great. It's a great place to study in a beautiful country and the opportunities outside the classroom were so much fun. Don't skip the day trips and do the Dublin tour at the beginning. The Dublin tour really gives you a good opportunity to get to know people early and makes your classes much more fun. Along with that, if you're going with someone you know, be sure to spend time with other people too. I highly recommend walking to Menlo Castle across the river.

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!

I cannot recommend the USAC Galway program enough!!! The people who run this program love this program and it shows! There were field trips planned with classes almost every weekend, so we got to see stunning parts of the country and learn about Irish culture in the place that it happened. We hiked through the iconic Connemara landscape, saw the famine roads carved into the hillsides, and read Yeats in Coole Park. I got to see every part of Ireland that I had planned on visiting on my own, but instead with professors who love what they teach and were passionate about teaching us all about these places. This program is absolutely worth it; I got to see hidden gems of Ireland that I would never have been able to find on my own!

I took it on myself to contact usac about working the fleadh film festival. They got me in touch with someone who had previously worked it. From there it was a very easy process. I met with Jim and oriel who gave me my schedule and times I’d work. Through this festival I worked basic tasks such as ticket holder and line assister. The best part was meeting the Irish. I made some life long friends who still check in on me to this day. I got to learn from other Irish students my age as well as some older volunteers who remember the big war for independence(super cool learning from them). It was amazing.

I took it on myself to contact usac about working the fleadh film festival. They got me in touch with someone who had previously worked it. From there it was a very easy process. I met with Jim and oriel who gave me my schedule and times I’d work. Through this festival I worked basic tasks such as ticket holder and line assister. The best part was meeting the Irish. I made some life long friends who still check in on me to this day. I got to learn from other Irish students my age as well as some older volunteers who remember the big war for independence(super cool learning from them). It was amazing.

I specifically picked Ireland because of my passion for ecology and Ireland is known for their stunning landscapes. Unfortunately, at the time I went Ireland was in a huge drought and it showed in its physical appearance, however this did allow me to see the effects of climate change first hand. In addition to this, I was able to learn about the world from a perspective other than an American perspective. I became familiar with problems that Americans would never hear about like the political unrest and violence that has and continues to plague Ireland and the effects that Brexit has on the Europe and the rest of the world. In addition to all that I learned, I was able to go to a film fleadh, viewed historic landmarks such as the cliffs of Moher, landmarks from the famine, the book of Kells, the Guinness factory, and much more. There was even one weekend I was able to travel to London and experience a different side of Europe. In addition to that, the staff and the professors were outstanding. From picking us at the airport to helping us navigate the country to the emotional support we received, helped shape my program. I never felt unsupported and knew they were always eager to help us with anything. The only regret I have about the program is I wish I could have stayed longer.