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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Liberal Arts, Business & Irish Studies
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Location
Galway
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Host University
University of Galway
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Term
Fall 1 2025
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Program Dates
Early Sep, 2025 - Mid Dec, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Apr 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 15, 2025
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Credit
20 - 30 ECTS Credits
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$21,950
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
The Liberal Arts, Business & Irish Studies program is offered through the University of Galway. This program offers a wide variety of courses in many fields of study, including the Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies, Business, Public Policy, and Law. Popular subject areas include Irish Studies, English, and History. A unique offering includes University of Galway's Literacy and Learning in the Community Service Learning course. Courses are taught in English by University of Galway faculty with local and international students.
While you will take a majority of your courses from the Liberal Arts, Business & Irish Studies program, you may also select one course from the Sciences, Technology & Engineering program at no additional charge.
Semester + Semester Programs Available: You can combine the Fall + Spring sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Ireland Program Manager.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
You must be at least a second semester sophomore at a four-year university at time of participation. Some exceptions may apply, please contact the ISA Ireland Program Manager for more information.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures 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.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
ECTS Credits
20 - 30
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 18
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 27
Academic Information
Course Selection
- You are required to take 4-6 courses per semester.
- If you are participating in the Liberal Arts, Business & Irish Studies program, you may select 1 course from the Sciences, Technology & Engineering program at no additional charge.
- You can NOT take Film Studies or Theater/Drama Studies courses.
- You may only take one English seminar course per semester.
- You may only take History Colloquia courses if History majors.
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Ireland Program Manager.
- The courses listed below are only a sampling of what the National University of Ireland, Galway offers. Please see the course catalog, linked below, for additional course options.
Course Credit
- You are required to take 20-30 ECTS credits per semester.
- Transfer credits earned will be decided entirely by your home university. It is important to be in touch with your university about course approvals and transfer credit pre-departure.
- According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home university.
- Per the National University of Ireland, Galway, 5 ECTS credits is equivalent to 2.5 or 3 U.S. semester credits / 3.75 or 4.5 quarter units. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student’s home university.
Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the host university module level recommendations and module codes and are only recommendations. The structure of a module's code at NUI Galway is made up of a sequence of letters and numbers. The module code starts with two letters which denote the discipline teaching the module. The remainder of the module code is made up of three numbers. The first number in the sequence normally indicates the year the module is delivered: 1 for first year, 2 for second year, 3 for third year, etc. Module codes starting with the numbers 4 or 5 are normally offered to 3rd and/or 4th year students. Based on this information, ISA recommends that modules starting with the numbers 1 and 2 be classified as lower division courses, while modules starting with the numbers 3, 4 or 5 be classified as upper division courses. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisers and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
Transcript Information
- The transcript from the National University of Ireland, Galway will reflect ECTS credits. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
To view the courses available at the University of Galway for your term of interest, click on the "Go to Course Search" button below. You will be taken to the host university's academic handbook and can scroll down and click on any academic college to view its course offerings for the term.
The University of Galway's academic handbooks are separated by semester, with Fall being "Semester 1" and Spring being "Semester 2". To view the handbook for a different semester, please go to that session on the ISA website.
Go to Host University Course Search Here
Go to Course SearchCourses
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Hannah Burroughs
Program Manager, Greece, Ireland & Scotland
Growing up in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Hannah was fortunate to fall in love with international travel at a young age. Following her personal and educational experiences in South America and France, she received a B.A. in Media Arts from the University of South Carolina (USC). During her time at USC, she spent a semester abroad studying international marketing, media, and women’s rights in Spain at the University of Seville. Throughout this semester, she prioritized travel and cultural immersion, and was lucky enough to do everything from spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin to riding camels in Morocco. Inspired by her experience abroad, she continued her education at Clemson University, where she earned a Master's in Student Affairs and Higher Education with an emphasis in International Education. In her free time, you can find Hannah working on her latest DIY home project, playing with her cats, or obsessing over the latest Netflix reality show. As a Program Manager, Hannah is extremely excited to help students learn, grow, and build their confidence throughout the study abroad experience- just like former staff members did for her!
Jessie Llerena
Region & Account Manager, Europe
Born and raised in New Jersey, Jessie graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A in Psychology. Her love for traveling started at a young age from visiting family back home in Ecuador. She is passionate about helping people and delivering high quality care. In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, play with her dog, Cash, work out, and travel (of course!). Jessie finds that studying abroad is important to learn about different cultures, as it creates lasting relationships and memories. She is excited to be a part of the ISA team and to support students through their studies overseas
GALWAY TEAM
Karen Appel-Stefoni
Resident Director, Ireland
Karen Appel-Stefoni
Resident Director
Born and raised in Puerto Varas, Chile, Karen Appel Stefoni studied at the Duoc UC Professional Institute in Viña del Mar, where she graduated as a Public Relations professional with a minor in Marketing. Karen's dream has always been to improve her skills and learn other languages abroad. This is why she carried out her professional practice in Madrid, Spain. She has worked as Promotion Coordinator at the Duoc UC in Viña del Mar, she served as Alumni Coordinator at the Federico Santa María Technical University and, held the position of Public Engagement National Coordinator at the Santo Tomás University in Santiago. While her professional career was taking shape, Karen never gave up on her dream of going abroad. Therefore, she carried out all the procedures to obtain Italian citizenship and fulfil her greatest desire to emigrate from Chile, in search of better horizons. Once citizenship was obtained, in 2020 Karen travelled to Sweden where she spent two years learning Swedish and teaching English and Spanish at a school in Skellefteå in northern Sweden. However, fate would provide her with a much better opportunity in Ireland, where she currently lives and works at ISA by Worldstrides, in an area she is passionate about and motivates her daily. In her spare time Karen loves to cycle, work out, and do most activities that involve movement. Coming from warmer climates, when she gets the chance, she “runs away” to sunnier cities to worship the sun. She is an avid reader and a fan of Disney and Harry Potter. Her friends and family deem her as a very cheerful, loyal, responsible, hard-working person and a faithful friend
Antonio Santana
Director of Operations, Ireland & UK
Originally from Málaga, Spain, Antonio graduated from the University of Málaga with degrees in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication. His passion for cinema, photography, and the arts led him to further his skills in graphic and web design. Antonio’s curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring diverse cultures have taken him across Europe. After living and working in various locations, in 2008 he settled in Barcelona, where he began his journey with ISA. Since then, he’s worked in Barcelona, Florence, and Dublin and in 2022, he became ISA’s London Resident Director, taking recently the additional role of Director of Operations for Ireland and UK programs. For Antonio, studying abroad is more than just visiting new places—it’s about expanding horizons and connecting with different people and culture. He is always eager to share insights and tips about the many places he has visited.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Irish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Galway. Uncovering the uniqueness of your neighborhood in Galway and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. You will commute to class as most local students do: by walking. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Student Residence
ISA students are typically housed at Gort na Coiribe Student Village, though location may vary depending on availability. These off-campus apartment-style student residences are about a 15 minute walk from campus. Semester and academic-year students live with both international students and local students from Ireland, while summer students live with international students only. The student residence includes a shared double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Bed linens are not included for semester and academic-year students but are included for summer students. Free unlimited internet access is available in each bedroom, and laundry facilities are available in the student residence complex.
A $750 refundable security deposit will be charged if you are living in ISA arranged housing. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the case of damage to property or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of Ireland that you may not be able to visit on your own. The destinations below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized in the time leading up to the start of your program.
Aran Islands
The rugged Aran Islands lie outside Galway Bay, just miles from the Clare Coast and the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland. All three islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr) have individual character. These islands will not disappoint!Allofthe locals speak Ireland’s native tongue. From forts and churches to flora, fauna, and idyllic scenery, the Islands have it all! They are a must see!
Aran Islands
The rugged Aran Islands lie outside Galway Bay, just miles from the Clare Coast and the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland. All three islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr) have individual character. These islands will not disappoint!Allofthe locals speak Ireland’s native tongue. From forts and churches to flora, fauna, and idyllic scenery, the Islands have it all! They are a must see!
Dublin
You will visit the bustling capital city of Dublin to see why Ireland is truly a land of saints and scholars. Explore the famous cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and bask in the exuberance of Temple Bar.
Dublin
You will visit the bustling capital city of Dublin to see why Ireland is truly a land of saints and scholars. Explore the famous cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and bask in the exuberance of Temple Bar.
Kylemore Abbey * Optional
At Kylemore Abbey, you will experience a perfect day in the west of Ireland. Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations, for its striking beauty alone. The Abbey is at the cusp of the memorable Inagh Valley and surrounded by the breath-taking Connemara 12 Bens. You will get to explore the rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, and spirituality. You will have time to explore the six acre Victorian Walled Garden and see the beauty of the Gothic Church on site.
Kylemore Abbey
At Kylemore Abbey, you will experience a perfect day in the west of Ireland. Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations, for its striking beauty alone. The Abbey is at the cusp of the memorable Inagh Valley and surrounded by the breath-taking Connemara 12 Bens. You will get to explore the rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, and spirituality. You will have time to explore the six acre Victorian Walled Garden and see the beauty of the Gothic Church on site.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Burren, derived from the Gaelic 'Boireann,' meaning ‘Great Rock’, is a vast region comprised of limestone slabs. This region is one of the finest examples of a glacio-karst landscape in the world. Standing 214 meters above the Wild Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are the jewel in the crown of the Burren Region. Step on to the edge of the world and into an awe-inspiring view that dreams are made of!
The Cliffs of Moher
The Burren, derived from the Gaelic 'Boireann,' meaning ‘Great Rock’, is a vast region comprised of limestone slabs. This region is one of the finest examples of a glacio-karst landscape in the world. Standing 214 meters above the Wild Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are the jewel in the crown of the Burren Region. Step on to the edge of the world and into an awe-inspiring view that dreams are made of!
Cultural Activities in Galway
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Galway. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Galway special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a tour of Salthill, theatre visits, visit to Galway Market, and a traditional music night.
Cultural Activities in Galway
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Galway. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Galway special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a tour of Salthill, theatre visits, visit to Galway Market, and a traditional music night.