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

Galway is a charming coastal city on the west coast of Ireland. County Galway is Ireland’s largest Gaelic-speaking area in the country, and even today the mother tongue of much of the population is the native Irish language. The countryside surrounding Galway seems not to have changed in 150 years. Fields that were abandoned during the potato famine of the mid-1800s still lie untouched, and one sees the low stone walls and rolling hillsides that characterize Ireland. In the midst of the history and tradition of the countryside lies the bustling city of Galway. Students find plenty of diversion in the city labeled the “Cultural Capital of Ireland.” Students can choose to attend a play at one of three world-renowned theaters or visit the 13th century Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus is said to have prayed before undertaking his journey to the New World.

Programs in Galway Includes:

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  Full Curriculum - Semester and Year: The National University of Ireland, Galway awards credit based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Semester courses at the university are usually awarded 5, 6 or 10 ECTS credits. Universities in the U.S. typically award .5 credit hour for every 1 ECTS credit. For example, a course worth 5 ECTS would transfer to the U.S. as 2.5 semester credit hours. It is very important that students planning on studying in Galway discuss the transfer of credits with an advisor at their home university – some universities have different standards for transferring ECTS credits. Based on the ECTS credits awarded per course, students usually take 5-6 classes in order to receive 12- 15 credit hours per semester. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are enrolled in the required amount of semester credits to meet requirements of the home university. In all faculties, entrance to specific courses is subject to the approval of NUI, Galway and the completion of certain prerequisites. Courses offered on a year-long basis can only be taken by students visiting for the full academic year.

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  Summer Irish Studies: Students who choose to study abroad in Galway with API during the summer are provided an integrated introduction to Irish Studies, incorporating elements from all the contributing disciplines. It consists of a series of interdisciplinary seminars focusing on key themes in Irish Studies such as identity, emigration, and religion, and a broad range of elective courses. The series of field trips is designed to complement the courses taught in the various modules and is an integral element in the overall program structure. In addition, as part of the Irish Studies program, an introductory non-credit class in the Irish language (Gaelic) is provided for interested students.

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  Summer Ecology of Ireland: Students who are interested in a summer study abroad program in Galway that is environmentally-focused will benefit from this new and exciting summer school. The program offers students practical experience of the natural environment in the west of Ireland. It provides students with survey skills to identify natural resources and develops their skills to evaluate the sustainable use and conservation of Ireland’s ecological resources. This summer school course is designed to encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to study ecology, by looking at all aspects of how these habitats are created and maintained through natural processes and anthropogenic activity. It will also consider conservation and sustainability issues and how a sound understanding of these ecological processes is used to combat the challenges facing the environment.