Galway: Probably the Best City in Ireland Past Review

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.

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.

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.)

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

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

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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.

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

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.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• The coordinators, Finn and Kevin
• The school, NUIGalway and all the clubs and societies it offered
• The emphasis on experiencing the culture over academics

• Day excursions could have been a little more exciting