IFSA-Butler at NUI, Galway

  Ireland

Galway

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: August - May

Description: The National University of Ireland, Galway was originally chartered as the University College, Galway in 1845 as one of the three colleges of the Queen's University. In 1908, Queen's College, Galway became one of the constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland and its name was subsequently changed to University College Galway. The university was founded by an act that was designed to 'endow new colleges for the Advancement of Learning in Ireland.'

Today, NUI, Galway has over 7,000 students enrolled across seven different faculties. The town of Galway, situated along the banks of Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, is a thriving port city and student hub. During the academic year students make up nearly 15 percent of the city's population. The city appreciates the importance of this part of its population and many of the city's activities and services are geared towards the younger student population.

Highlights: Ireland is divided into four provinces: Ulster, Leinster, Connacht and Munster. These provinces are in turn are divided into 32 counties. Six of Ulster's nine counties make up Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The remaining three counties of Ulster and the other provinces constitute the Republic of Ireland.

Apart from the spectacular beauty of the country and the richness of its history, Ireland is famous for music, art and folklore. This heritage is treasured around the world by the descendents of emigrants and the people among whom they settled. From the end of 19th and into the 20th century, a surge of pride in Irish nationalism yielded some of the world's greatest literary works and contributed heavily to the impetus for Irish independence from Britain. Although most students think of Ireland as a place to undertake courses in Irish studies or liberal arts, curricula in science, engineering and computer science are widely available.

The intellectual traditions of Ireland and her reverence of scholarship date back to medieval times. Schools and monasteries flourished to such an extent that for several centuries they were the centers of learning and religion for all of western Europe. This heritage is reflected today in the academic excellence and prestigious reputation of Ireland's colleges and universities.

The academic year in Ireland runs along roughly the same time frame as the American academic year. It begins in late September and ends in mid- June. Teaching terms usually consist of three ten-week periods separated by two four-week breaks, although some universities have switched over to the semester system.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no