United States of America

"I had put a lot of planning and, frankly, over thinking into my decision to come study at University of Galway. I had certain expectations for the duration of the four years, and less than one year into my course my expectations have been exceeded. I never thought that I would change as much as I have in such a short time. I’ve learned quite a lot in lectures and classes, but the real education has come from the experience of being in a culture unfamiliar from my own, teaching myself how to navigate and communicate across borders and barriers, and trusting my instincts. The benefits of the hard work of leaving home are well worth it; I’ve seen the sights of Ireland and beyond, listened to traditional music on the way home from the grocery store, and compared cultures with people all over the world. There’s only so much time we have to explore and to adventure. I’ll never regret packing my bags and seizing the opportunity to study at University of Galway."

— Olivia Hanna, Journalism with Arts
You should also visit Olivia's blogs about what she learnt in Ireland,  Quick guide to combatting homesickness and tips for Irish supermarkets!

"As a Master’s student in the Economic Policy Evaluation and Planning program at the JE Cairnes School, I was impressed by University of Galway’s students, faculty, and facilities.  The program size was small, allowing me to learn from and become friends with my fellow students in a collegial atmosphere. The faculty were fully dedicated to students, easy to talk to, and well-versed in their fields.

 Meanwhile, the facilities at University of Galway were top-notch, with great computer labs, libraries, and social spaces. Lastly, I enjoyed living in Galway, with its historic city center and scenic seaside promenade; Galway was a perfect launching pad for trips across Ireland and Europe.

 During my time in Galway, I gained a unique understanding of economic policy in the context of Ireland and the Eurozone. I strongly encourage international students to consider study at University of Galway."

 — Mohit Agrawal, MA in Economic Policy Evaluation, USA

 "My name is Ameer Gazder, I am 18 years old and I am doing a Bachelor of Civil Law at University of Galway. I come from Narragansett, Rhode Island but have strong family ties in Ireland. Having been born in Galway, I have spent my entire life coming back to Ireland during school vacations and summers to visit family and enjoy the amazing culture and atmosphere of Ireland. It was this affection, familiarization and attachment to Ireland that drove me, as an American, to actually attend university in Europe, specifically University of Galway.

Studying in Ireland has provided me with valuable insight into the educational, professional and cultural atmospheres of the country, which I now wish to share with other American students who are looking into possibly studying abroad in Ireland. Be it the fantastic education system present in the universities, the rich culture and heritage of the country, the warm hospitality of its inhabitants or any of the other countless reasons to love Ireland, there is always something that captures the heart of every student who studies here.

 And as a student ambassador, I will be tremendously eager to help potential international students find their own specific niche here in Ireland."

— Ameer Gazder, Law student and Student Ambassador

“I came to Galway for the first time on a spur of the moment trip to Ireland to celebrate the completion of my undergrad. In the two nights I spent here I was so amazed to be in a city that thrived with such a diverse culture both day and night. This place had such an impact on me that I came back to pursue my masters in Toxicology. The course I have taken has really given me a unique perspective on toxicology in a way that differs from teaching methods in my undergrad. The application of knowledge with the hands on research really helped me understand how different toxins affect us. When my program finishes I will be heading back to Michigan in hopes of applying my knowledge to improving the toxicity problems in the environment.”

— Ethan Claucherty, Msc Toxicology, Michigan, (United States)

"Hi! My name is Kelsey Donohue and I had the pleasure of studying at University of Galway during my semester abroad in Ireland. As a Long Island native turned Hudson Valley resident at Marist College in New York, I was excited to‌ travel and explore Ireland. Drawn by my family’s Irish roots, Ireland just seemed like a natural choice. When it came to deciding which university to attend, University of Galway was exactly what I was looking for.

I took a combination of Culture, History, English and Philosophy classes. My favorite class was by far Arts in Action which taught the evolution of Ireland’s traditional music through concerts and events taking place right on campus. It was something I would never experience at home!

Galway’s location in the West of Ireland is absolutely incredible. It is the perfect location between the breathtaking Irish countryside and bustling Dublin city, making it easy to accomplish plenty of sightseeing during your time abroad. Whether it’s enjoying a stroll down the bustling Shop Street or joining the local Galwegians in a dip in the refreshing Galway Bay, you will easily call Galway your new home."

— Kelsey Donohue, Arts student
You should also visit Kelsey's blogs about Thanksgiving in Ireland and Galway city (Part1, Part 2, Part 3)!

"Hello all aspiring scholars, my name is Siobhan Allaeddini and I am from Newport Beach, California. I am currently attending University of Galway where I am studying Commerce and will be graduating in 2013. Often when people realize I am from a foreign destination I get asked the same question, “Why did you leave Orange County for Galway?”

‌The answer is simple enough. The culture, lifestyle and education programs far exceed anything I felt I could have received at home. In most European universities, from the moment you begin your course you are studying what you wish to pursue your career in. No general education classes teaching you things you are genuinely not interested in. In essence, you get what you pay for and what you want. In addition to the straight-forward education system, Ireland and its people have a reputation for being THE friendliest and liveliest European country.

Prior to my attending University of Galway, I had been to Ireland several times between my Irish Dancing competitions and my mother visiting her immediate family members (she was born and raised in Kildare, Ireland). The culture and lifestyle were no surprise to me; however, I know for most other students it isn’t all that drastic either. That can be credited to the people and laidback atmosphere that encompasses all of Ireland."

— Siobhan Allaeddini, Business student
You should also visit Shiobhan's blogs about Studying for exams and Packing for Ireland!

"My name is Siobhan Keenan and I am from Midland Park, New Jersey, USA.  

I‌ am currently studying English and Psychological Studies in my second year at University of Galway. I chose University of Galway because I love Galway City and the school couldn’t be a better fit. 

My two subjects, English and Psychological Studies are the perfect fit for what I was looking for.  I’ve come to Ireland ever since I was a child and I couldn’t be happier that I now get to live here year round in one of my favorite cities."

— Siobhan Keenan, Undergraduate Arts Student from New Jersey
You should also visit Siobhan's blogs about the Arts Ball, St Patrick Day, Societies, Life in Ireland and her favorite class!!

My name is Margaret Langevin and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I chose to study abroad at University of Galway in the Fall semester of 2013. However, I couldn’t stay away and am back completing my Master’s in journalism. Living Galway has been one of my dreams since my first trip to this beautiful city in 2005, but also being a journalist was another dream. The atmosphere in Galway is addicting: the people are friendly, the music is uplifting, the scenery is breathtaking and the university is more than helpful. While I’m staying in Galway for the summer, I’m now looking for a fulltime job here so I can stay even longer. Studying at University of Galway has helped me fulfil my dreams.  

— Margaret Langevin, Journalism, from Chicago