Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Galway: Probably the Best City in Ireland Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., The University of Texas at Austin) for

API (Academic Programs International): Galway - National University Of Ireland, Galway

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained alot of friends abroad, and it's impacted me by giving me independence. I used to worry about my family too much to be away from them for very long, but now I know I can live anywhere and be okay without them around all the time. I could easily go back and live in Ireland.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would say NUIGalway and UT are fairly evenly matched academically. The grading system in Ireland was different, but teachers graded harder.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API blew me away. Finn and Kevin were so friendly and helpful, they always offered us their time and knowledge of how things worked on Ireland. They also made sure we all got involved with Irish culture by taking us to things like Trad on the Prom and the Galway Ironman, and encouraged us to get involved with Irish students ourselves by joining clubs and sports. I feel like the program size of 15 students was perfect. We all got to know each other but there were still enough of us to choose who we wanted to spend time with. I really can't say enough good things about API.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really liked living in Gort na Coiribe. I was very happy to be in student housing, though I know a few other students weren't. Yes it was loud sometimes, especially on holidays like Halloween, and sometimes it was messy outside, but for the most part it was great living in a village with just other students. Plus the fact that it was noisy meant it was ok to be noisy yourself and have fun, you weren't reported to the police, as you could be in a regular apartment situation. It was also a quick walk either into town or to the school. We did have to provide sheets, pillows, and blankets, but everything else was provided (dishes, trashcans, furniture, shelves, etc.)

* Food:

Great place for coeliacs. I recommend Monroe's for the pizza or bangers and mash. Also if you like tea, try Cupan Tae down at the end of Shop Street

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

API was great about taking us on excursions and providing other fun activities for us during the semester. We saw an Irish music/dancing show, volunteered at the Galway Ironman, went to Dublin, Conemara, and London, and ate lots of pizza together

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Galway always seemed very safe to me. I never felt in danger walking alone. I didn't have any health issues, but Finn was always checking on us to make sure we were healthy, and telling us where to go and what to do if we were ill, even just a cold.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would change the trips to Conemara and Bunratty Castle for a trip to Donegal or Kerry

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Everyone speaks English there, but Irish is the official national language. I was able to take a beginner's Irish course in school, and I was able to practice my Irish on my Irish friends and roommate, since they've all had to take it as a requirement in school.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The coordinators, Finn and Kevin
  • The school, NUIGalway and all the clubs and societies it offered
  • The emphasis on experiencing the culture over academics
* What could be improved?
  • Day excursions could have been a little more exciting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it. You'll have the time of your life and meet lots of great Irish people if that's what you want to do. You'll also get to see other parts of the country.