A team of helpful ISA staff members guides students through the entire study abroad process. The U.S. staff helps prospective students with program selection and completion of the ISA application. Pre-departure orientations are also available to enrolled students over the telephone and through our comprehensive online orientation. The U.S. staff is in constant contact with our resident staff abroad, who provide support to students during their program. ISA's staff members also provide assistance to students upon their return to the U.S. Contact us at 1-800-580-8826 or by email.

Our U.S.-based staff is trained to handle visa issues and questions for Ireland and the corresponding U.S.-based consulates. Please visit the Student Visa and Embassy page of the ISA website for more information.

Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.

Upon the successful completion of an ISA program, the student's host university will issue an official transcript that lists all coursework. ISA will send this transcript to the appropriate office at the student's home university. Additionally, ISA will provide a cover letter explaining the host university's grading system and a translation of the transcript, as necessary.

ISA's full-time resident staff assists students with all aspects of their experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.

Upon arrival students are given an on-site orientation where they are informed of academic schedules, safety information, detailed information on excursions and information on cell phones. These orientations are conducted by our resident directors, allowing students a chance to familiarize themselves with our directors even before they take their placement exams. Please click here to read more about the on-site orientation.

ISA students enjoy free computer and/or internet access at the ISA Galway on-site office. Students also have access to computer labs and WIFI at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and other places around the city.

All students participating in Irish Gaelic language courses may receive tutoring at our on-site offices at no additional cost. This service is arranged by the on-site directors and should be scheduled in advance.

Ground transportation is provided from the Shannon Airport (SNN) for students who arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time, and at the appropriate airport.

Apartment Style Dorms: Dorm rooms are available for ISA students attending the National University of Ireland, Galway. Students will share a room, bathroom, kitchen and common room with Irish students, international students and other ISA partipants. Dormitories are included in the price of all ISA Galway programs. A refundable housing deposit is required.

Excursions are included in the price of all ISA programs. Excursions are designed to complement the academic component of the student's study abroad experience. Transportation and guided tours are included. During multi-day excursions, hotel accommodations and breakfast are also included. Additional optional excursions may be offered but are not included in the ISA program price. Students may sign up and pay for these excursions after they arrive at their program site.
Click here for a list of excursions (may vary according to session).

In order to maximize cultural immersion, the ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities. These custom-designed activities invite students to experience the local color of their host city, while learning about the history and culture of their new surroundings. Speaking the native language (Gaelic) with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are just a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of Galway.

Comprehensive medical insurance is provided during the official period of the program. Extensions of medical coverage can be made for an additional fee if students plan to be abroad before or after the program period. A full description of coverage can be found here.

ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time. For students or parents who need assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 1-800-580-8826 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week.