CEA Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland

Name: CEA Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland
Brand: CEA Study Abroad
SKU: 15342
Rating: 9.75 (4 reviews)

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9.75 Rating

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Location

Ireland
- Galway

Term

Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Art History Biochemistry Computer Science Creative Writing Earth Sciences Ecology Economics Engineering Finance Geology History Information Technology Liberal Arts Literature Marketing Mathematics Physics +7

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

University

National University of Ireland - Galway

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Included: Personalized Pre-departure Advising; Tuition & Registration; Travel Medical Insurance; On-site Orientation; Housing; Volunteer Opportunities; On-site Staff Support; Excursions and Cultural Engagement; Host Institution Services & Amenities and more. Scholarships available.

What's Included

Some Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Last Reviewed: Jun 07, 2019

About Program

Explore Ireland’s western coastline and learn what makes Galway the “cultural heart” of Ireland! Enjoy the thriving theater and music scene, taste the delicious seafood, and go kayaking at Salthill, a popular resort area on the northern shore of Galway Bay.

CEA partners with National University of Ireland Galway, where you’ll study with Irish and other international students. Ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, NUI Galway offers many areas of study: Accounting, archaeology, botany, chemistry, ecology, economics, engineering, English language and literature, environmental sciences, film studies, finance, French, gender studies, geography, history, and Italian.

CEA offers volunteer opportunities, excursions to other cities, and many other cultural and learning activities to complement course offerings and turn Galway into a classroom.

Interested? Click the “Visit Site” button to learn what’s waiting for you!

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Video and Photos

CEA Study Abroad Students in Galway, Ireland

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Program Highlights

Hands-on learning experiences that transform the world abroad into a classroom
Personalized Pre-Departure Advising, including visa and immigration support
Courses offered in English that fulfill major and general graduation requirements
Comprehensive on-site support, including 24/7 emergency phone
Career workshops, Internships Abroad, and Alumni Ambassador positions

About National University of Ireland - Galway

City

Galway

Students:

17,000

Year Founded:

1845

Ask anyone who has studied at NUI Galway – it really is a place apart. Our riverside campus is warm and welcoming, and at the same time filled with ambition. It is home to a diverse and vibrant community of staff and students who are dynamic, creative and highly driven.

While firmly rooted in the west of Ireland, with its unique landscape and culture, we reach out to the world through a global network of projects and partnerships.

Scholarships

CEA Scholarships and Financial Aid

Studying abroad will change your life, improve your employability, and enhance your global competence. That's why we commit more than $2.0 million each year to our financial and scholarship programs.

Value

$400 - $3,000

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Program Reviews

9.75 Rating

based on 4 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

9-10 rating 100%
7-8 rating 0%
5-6 rating 0%
3-4 rating 0%
1-2 rating 0%

Academics 7.8
Support 8.5
Fun 9.8
Housing 9.5
Safety 10

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

I really cannot express enough how amazing it was to study abroad in Galway, Ireland. Everything about this location is beautiful and worthwhile, and out of all the other countries I visited while abroad (The Netherlands, England, Poland and Spain), I can truly say that this is the best spot for study abroad students––especially through CEA, which was a super helpful, comforting and beneficial program for me to go through. Even if you aren't sure where to go, you will seriously not regret your decision to choose Galway. Thomas is the program director for CEA, and he actually lives in Galway. Also, he really does know his stuff and is quite the history buff on Ireland. By choosing to go through CEA, I not only guaranteed that someone would be there to look out for me, but I also got to explore different areas of Ireland with most expenses already paid at the time of travel. (We only had to pay a few times for our meals, but this was not extremely bothersome or anything. I didn't even really care much about this factor once we reached our destinations and got to explore this insanely beautiful country.) Additionally, the people in Ireland are really fun, down-to-earth and friendly. Galway is the perfect college town, and honestly the best area to live in Ireland (from what I've heard and seen from other people, not just myself!). Whenever I was on a flight from a different country to go back to Ireland, I didn't feel any sort of discomfort or sadness, because it always felt like I was just returning to my newfound homeland. Ireland became my life, and I cannot wait to return someday.

I can't believe it has almost been an entire month since I flew back home to the states. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. I was also placed in housing that introduced me to some people who I really believe will be my friends for life (both American and Irish!). I cannot thank CEA enough for this experience, nor the people of Ireland for being so warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend this program to all––you will seriously have the time of your life... guaranteed. :)

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice to future travelers who decide to go through this program would be to say yes to most things, as long as it's not potentially dangerous nor illegal. What I mean by this is it's going to be extremely beneficial for you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new areas of yourself, while you explore Ireland or wherever else you may wish to go. Also, don't solely rely on other people to go to the places where you really want to go. As a mobile journalist for CEA, I wrote an article with more helpful advice from my own experience as a female solo traveler. But, seriously, you've got this. And enjoy every moment, because once you return home you will want those memories to hold onto... but also don't put too much pressure onto yourself. You know yourself better than anyone, and by studying abroad you will learn even more about yourself that probably wouldn't have been possible to know before your journey.

Picture of CEA student in Galway, Ireland.

Response from CEA Study Abroad

Kelsey, thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We are so glad you chose CEA for your semester in Galway and had a positive experience with our wonderful staff there. Keep those new lifelong friends close 😊 We appreciate you sharing your suggestions for future CEA students and wish you the very best!

By CEA Study Abroad on June 10, 2019

After living in Galway for 2 months, I can say that it is my favorite place I've ever been to. Galway has somewhat of a city feel while still having a small-town, cozy feel. I've become friendly with the locals and it's impossible to go into town without meeting a new person. Galway has a young, diverse population and is an amazing place to study. Everyone in the city is extremely friendly. I have easily made friends with several of the Irish students and joined clubs on campus.

What would you improve about this program?

The class registration portion was a frustrating process. Myself and several other people on the program originally were not able to get into the classes we needed to count for our home university. After several weeks of emails and petitions, I was able to get into the class, but it was a long, complicated process. Making this process simpler could definitely help out future students.

Response from CEA Study Abroad

Julie, thank you for sharing your frustrating experience with class registration. We have passed this on to CEA’s domestic team. We are happy that this was sorted out and that you had an amazing experience in Galway.

By CEA Study Abroad on October 19, 2018

I studied at the National University of Ireland at Galway. I miss the city's friendly atmosphere everyday! NUIG is a great research university, offering courses to most majors. All my professors at NUIG were incredibly knowledgable and kind. When I needed a break from my studies, I could easily take day trips to places like the Burren, Connemara, the Aran Islands, or longer trips to other counties! I spent most of my time walking around the city's bustling streets, listening to traditional Irish music, and meeting new people! CEA was a great provider to study abroad with. My CEA onsite leader, Tom, was helpful, understanding, and fun to hangout with! Our itinerary got my group traveling and visiting some of the most beautiful sights Ireland has to offer.

University Bridge connecting NUIG to the City

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Galway is a beautiful and vibrant city with the friendliest people; it captured my heart.

The University was top notch with some exceptional professors that are always available to help you if needed. The academics are high quality but the structure of tests and the work load is different from the US and some US students might find ease in it.

The housing that CEA provided was very nice and in a safe neighborhood within walking distance of the school, town, and the grocery store. Individual rooms are supplied with flatmates that comprise people in your program and other international students.

Galway city has plenty of things to do and see, even though it's relatively small. It's full of lovely, fun people and lots of culture. There is always something to enjoy in town. Galway is also a prime location for day and weekend trips to some beautiful place. The Aaron Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and even Dublin are within visiting distance.

Overall, I felt taken care of by CEA, the University, and and all the staff. Everyone in the CEA program and other international programs were just as excited to enjoy the study abroad experience and lasting friendships were made.

What would you improve about this program?

It would have been nice to have a CEA staff member be an available contact and resource at anytime. I suggest an office on or near campus, somewhere easily accessible for students. At the time our program contact was a local graduate student at NUI-G.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose CEA Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland because of the convenient provider to university process.

What did your program provider and university assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Both my program and university provided me with housing, an action-packed itinerary, and a helpful onsite team leader to guide me through studying abroad.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would suggest to any future study abroad students to plan a budget ahead of time. Make a list of all the counties and places you are interested in traveling to, because it will end up saving you a great deal of money and time! Also, pack light - especially for the weekend getaways.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

After my university's orientation, you are able to chose classes based upon your interests. After your schedule is set, you have the freedom to work around your classes and explore the surrounding area! I had a lot of down time to walk around the city, get to know the locals, and discover the culture.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

One of my main concerns before studying abroad was going on a program with no one I knew. Upon arriving with my group, I instantly connected to a few people and made long-lasting connections. Also, not knowing anyone is a great opportunity to put yourself out there and meet new people! I still keep in touch with my Irish roommates and friends.

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?

I believe prospective travelers are interested in hitting all the supposed hot spots of each country. My answer to that is: don't! Don't be a tourist. Strike up a conversation with a local at a cafe or pub, and venture out to the hidden gems of each place you travel to.

One of my favorite memories was staying at a hostel near a castle in Edinburgh. I met an Australian man and a French girl there, and we aimlessly wandered through the city's rolling hill landscape, and Romanesque churches, fueling ourselves with fresh fudge.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Francis Kelly

Program

CEA Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland

Job Title

Center Director, Ireland

Francis holds a BA in French and Irish language and literature from University College Cork, a Master’s in Irish Studies from the University of Lille (France) and a Master’s in International Marketing from University College Dublin. He has extensive experience in lecturing and higher education in Ireland and France, where he lived for eight years. He has founded two business schools specializing in study abroad for European students and is currently Director of the International School of Business and CEA Dublin. He has lived abroad and travelled widely in North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His passion is discovering new places, peoples, and cultures.

male headshot

Did you study abroad?

I didn’t study abroad in the traditional sense; I left Ireland after graduating and lived and worked in France for eight years! My motivation was simple – there was no work in Ireland in the early eighties so emigration was the only option. It was an incredible experience and one that gave me the perspective on cultural differences that I still have to this day. I was fortunate to work at the University of Lille and immerse myself totally in French life and culture. At the beginning it was overwhelming and uncomfortable, but I survived the initial impact and learned so much about myself and how I deal with cultural differences. This is still my point of reference when dealing with my own international students who come to Dublin to study and experience Irish culture.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

I spent a summer as a volunteer in Ghana when I was an undergraduate. This was probably the most challenging and rewarding travel experience I’ve ever had. I had the privilege of working and living with the local people of Bolgatanga and Bole in northern Ghana. To say this was life-changing would not be an exaggeration. I learned so much from my time there, the value of life, of people, of resources. It totally turned my notion of what’s important upside down – the westerner learned the essential lessons of life from the African – and I’ve never forgotten those lessons!

What changes would you make to the study abroad industry?

If I could, I would open study abroad up to all students who want to travel and not just those who can afford it. I truly believe that study abroad is potentially life-changing and it saddens me that so many students do not have the option of going abroad because of money. I would like to see the students being challenged more. As providers, we need to be creative about how we can provide the essential services and experiences to the student while allowing them to interact and engage more directly with the new culture -- even if this involves a degree of discomfort. We will be there to help them interpret and deal with these feelings and also learn about themselves and the host culture. Of course, we must care for each individual student and ensure his or her safety, but we also need to give them the opportunity to feel uncomfortable, disoriented, and out of their comfort zone, so they can learn how to deal with these feelings and situations. We often say you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool – is this what we are doing in study abroad?

What does your home-country's culture value that is taught in your program?

Anyone who has ever been will know that the unique aspect of Ireland - apart from its breathtaking landscape - is its people! We value people, we are interested in people, we love to spend time with people – all people, Irish or foreign. This permeates every aspect of life in Ireland and feeds into our courses in so many different ways. Our classes in Irish Literature, Popular Culture, and Communication & Global Competence are a true reflection of this peculiar Irish characteristic. We are curious about the other, don’t feel threatened by the foreigner, and wish to learn from everyone. Students who take our International Internship or Service Learning programs will experience this in a very real way. Their interactions with Irish people at work and in service leaves a lasting impression of how the Irish value people.

About CEA Study Abroad

With 22 destinations across 13 countries, CEA Study Abroad offers an ideal balance of academics, internships, and adventure to more than 4,000 students each year. Find out where learning abroad can take you by clicking the “Visit Site” button and exploring our many options. Why study abroad or complete an internship abroad? Because as you study or...

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