Study Abroad Programs in Galway, Ireland

The summer Galway program is ideal for participants interested in learning about Irish studies in a lively, student-oriented city on Ireland’s west coast. Galway's magical combination of ancient history and contemporary culture makes it a great location for Irish studies. The Galway program consists of one five-week session offering academic coursework in literature, history, theater, music, and the Gaelic language taught by established Irish and US scholars. All of these courses include enticing field trips offering hands-on experiences with the subject matter, such as walking tours of Galway, outings to the Connemara Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area), live theater, and guest lectures by leading playwrights and directors, private Irish film screenings, and private in-class music concerts by leading traditional musicians and singers. Participation in additional program field trips is an integral part of the program. Those with Irish roots can enroll in a one-credit course to trace their family genealogy.

Steeped in history, Galway combines its rich cultural heritage with a young and innovative population of just under 73,000. Located on the coastline in a picturesque harbor, Galway and the surrounding countryside are known as one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland. With a student population of about a quarter of the city, Galway has a world-famous arts and entertainment scene. In this small and walkable city, you will discover brightly colored cafes and pubs, live music abounds, and street performers fill the streets.

IRISH TRADTION MEETS BOHEMIAN CREATIVITY IN A SMALL, COASTAL CITY Study Irish history, science, engineering, and more in Ireland’s beautiful western coastal region. Known for proudly preserving its language and culture, Galway has a youthful, bohemian vibe, thanks in part to a sizable student presence. Known as the National University of Ireland, Galway until 2022, the university has a strong service culture. Easy to navigate on foot or by bike, this beautiful campus is hugged by the Corrib River on one side and neighborhoods that border the city center on the other. Start your cultural journey by learning Gaelic at the university’s beginner class for visiting students. (More options for visiting students include drama, indigenous arts, marine biology, and Irish teaching philosophy.) When exams come around, get study tips from Galway students on Exam Jam podcasts. Get to know more of Ireland with special IFSA excursions (included, no extra fees!). Our students often explore the stunning West Coast and Kilkenny, a medieval city where you can get your fill of artisan foods and try your hand at the Gaelic sport, hurling.

Travel across Ireland, Switzerland, and Spain to study biodiversity and conservation in varied ecosystems. From wetlands to alpine peaks and Spanish Dehesas, explore how Europe responds to climate change, land use, and human impact. Through fieldwork, site visits, and engagement with local experts, compare strategies for protecting species and ecosystems while examining the cultural and political systems that shape conservation efforts. Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

A balmy, bohemian city with a love of traditional music – Galway is hard to resist. The spirit of Ireland’s west coast beats through the bustling streets, from mellow old pubs boasting turf and cozy corners to shops selling Claddagh rings, Aran sweaters, and bog-oak carvings. On the other hand, you’ll find boundary-pushing chefs passionate about local ingredients, chic design stores, rolling street music, and a seriously vibrant film scene (Galway is a UNESCO City of Film). Visit during festival months, such as the Galway Oyster Festival in September, the Galway Arts Festival in July, or the Galway Film Festival in July. No matter the celebration, it genuinely feels like the entire city is one big party. But there are plenty of tranquil moments to be cherished in this medieval gem, too. Wander down age-old alleys, walk the coastal promenade to the seaside town of Salthill, or stroll over one of the River Corrib’s four bridges. Either way, you won’t be sorry if you stay awhile. Students can expect trips around the city and excursions to The Burren (Great Rock), Blarney Castle & Cork City, the Cliffs of Moher and the Alliwee Caves, and Connemara and its lakes.

Explore Ireland’s western coastline and learn what makes Galway the country's “cultural heart!" Check out its thriving theater and music scene, try the delicious seafood, and go kayaking on Salthill. CEA CAPA partners with the University of Galway, where you’ll study with Irish and other international students. The University of Galway has been ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. Areas of study include Accounting, Archaeology, Botany, Chemistry, Ecology, Economics, Engineering, Irish Language and Literature, Environmental Sciences, Film Studies, Finance, Computer Science, Gender Studies, Geography, History, and Political Science. To ensure you get the most out of this cultural and academic experience, CEA CAPA 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? Inquire today to see what’s waiting for you!

Whether it’s culturally rich Galway or vibrant capital Dublin, you’ll have a wonderful time studying in Ireland! Choose from non-profit, low-cost, direct study programs. These academic-type programs are available all year round and in a range of terms: weekly, monthly, summer, quarterly, semester, and academic year. Plus, stay in low-cost housing on campus or in nearby areas. Overall, avoid expensive, for-profit programs and register directly with a school in Ireland. After successful completion, you will earn academic credits that are transferable to your home school. These study abroad programs are open to students worldwide. See more details on the NPSA website. Use this website to review and book your study abroad program in Ireland.