Study Abroad at NUI in Galway, Ireland

I actually left a note for the new American students that were going to be living in my room, I just gave them a few tips, places to see and eat, and what I loved about Galway. Thankfully, someone from Butler had previously gone to Galway and I was able to connect with her and she gave me some tips and advice, but I know that wasn't the case for everyone. This impacted my life post-program greatly. After I graduate I would love nothing more than to move abroad to work and Ireland has truly captured my heart. This program also allowed me to meet amazing people from across the US who will be lifetime friends and we are already all meeting up this summer. This program also reinforced my International Business major, I was able to see how Irish businesses operated and the behaviors of Irish consumers. I also was one of the few that didn't take like an Irish history or appreciation course, so I would recommend that incoming students try to take one of those types of classes because I feel like I really missed out. My favorite memory is all of is the pub scene, because we don't have that in America. The music, the friendly environment, and the people were just amazing and I felt like that's when I learned most about the Irish culture and it's something I miss about Ireland every day. Do you ever feel like you weren't meant to live in the place your in, then travel somewhere and find a new home? Well, that's exactly how I feel about Ireland and I have no doubt I will be back soon.

My experience at NUIG was excellent from day one. I was able to take classes that I enjoyed, but more than that, I was encouraged and given the opportunity to experience Irish life and culture. While at NUIG, I was able to immerse myself in Irish day to day life through living with Irish roommates, attending NUIG events, and exploring all the favorite local get-together and activity spots of native students. Outside of Galway, I was grateful for the opportunity to explore the beautiful country that became like my home away from home. 

When I went to NUIG I decided that I was going to take my business classes so that I could still graduate on time. I signed up for Human Resource Management, Marketing Principles, Media & Marketing Communications, Advanced Application Development, and Corporate Finance. I chose these courses because they transferred over to my home university for the classes that I needed to graduate. I had a great first day at NUIG, everyone was nice and helpful, and the professors were very welcoming of study abroad students. My favorite part about being at NUIG was seeing how another University taught and did things differently than mine. The professors were genuinely interested in your education and how they can help you. It was great to meet people from all across the world in my classes. I found Galway at my home university; I had known for years that I wanted to study abroad in Ireland and once I started doing my research I learned that NUIG had a business school and it would allow me to still graduate on time.

I chose NUIG for the opportunities it allowed me. The academics are strong and the city allowed me to connect with many different people. I found many friends through the clubs and societies and got to participate in activities that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to partake in. The Mountaineering Club was a favourite of mine. It allowed me to practice one of my passions in a completely new landscape with new people and see Connemara in a unique way, as well as gain new skills. Some of my best memories were created with the clubs at NUIG.

Studying abroad in Galway was the most remarkable experience in my life thus far. I feel as though studying in Ireland has helped me to become more culturally educated, well rounded, resilient and understanding of the world. I am incredibly thankful for taking advantage of this opportunity and reflecting on it has been extremely rewarding. Besides the diverse educational benefits through broader perspectives, excitement of a new atmosphere and opportunity to travel much of Europe I am especially touched by and thankful for the people I have met from Ireland and from all over the globe. Some will be lifelong friendships that I value so much and wouldn’t have otherwise met these incredible individuals hadn’t I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I took a History seminar called “The First World War: Transnational Perspectives”, a Philosophy course, “History of the Irish Thought”, An Urban Geography course and a Microbial Infectious Disease course along with an online thesis seminar through my home University. The Faculty and students at NUIG were incredibly welcoming and kind. Professors are approachable and willing to help their students. At first there was a bit of a cultural learning curve and I needed to adjust myself to the University’s style of teaching, but quickly adapted. It wasn’t long before Galway felt like a second home. Galway city has a lovely charm to it and although I was thankful to have explored other cities such as London and Paris during my Study Abroad endeavors, it is safe to say that Ireland was my favorite and I would encourage other students who are filled with wanderlust to go visit and study there because it is truly a once in a lifetime experience.