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About NUI Galway: What students say

Megan Messmer  USA	Galway city is a wonderful place to spend time. It is large enough to occupy your time but small enough to have a small hometown feel. The people of Galway are extremely friendly and helpful. They are interested in the lives of others and are always willing to engage in conversation. The social life in town always has something going on whether it be a match on in the pub, live music or dancing. Galway is filled with a variety of shops and restaurants. Cafes and pubs offer a wonderful atmosphere to spend the afternoon in doing homework, sitting by a fire with friends or meeting new people. The NUI Galway campus makes the large college seem small and familiar. The lectures are large but the professors are approachable. Small seminar courses offer more interaction with the professor during class. There are many PC suites allowing access to computers. Many of them often have waits for computers but if you go to the lesser known ones then computers are easily accessible. The library is nice and filled with resources on many subjects. The staff at the college are friendly and helpful. NUI Galway offers many opportunities for international students to get involved within campus and outside of campus. The International Students Society plans trips for students to explore places around Ireland. Organizations that help students to get involved in the community through volunteering and events are available. Club sports gave opportunities to travel around for tournaments while meeting both international and local students. One important opportunity that international students should take advantage of is the host family program. Participation in this program places students with a faculty member and their family. Meals and other activities with this family provided a look inside the life of an Irish family. It is a great way to become more connected with the community.
Kathleen Stewart USA	I loved being at student at NUI Galway - I got involved through the ALIVE volunteering program and volunteered with the Suas society, which was a great way to meet Irish students and feel like I was contributing to the greater Galway community. All the administrative people I talked with this semester in both the ALIVE office and the International Office were extremely supportive and made me feel very at home while studying abroad.
Tristin Hatch, USA	Galway is a great place to live.  I always felt safe even when walking back to my apartment from the city center.  Everybody I met was so helpful and friendly and definitely liked to have a good time.  The nightlife on shop street was great.  There was a great range from bars and pubs to clubs, so there is something for everyone.  On the weekends, the market was fun to go to and there were always street performers who were very entertaining.  The feel of Galway is just what you expect typical Ireland to look like.  It is a quaint city with a lot of charm. My experience at NUI Galway was excellent. I met some really neat people and learned a ton about other cultures.  The international students society is great to join for trips and meeting people and the dance society has learning Irish dance classes which were awesome.  My experience has been very memorable and I would recommend NUI Galway to anyone who wanted to study abroad!
J. Alexandro S. Lajud Mexico	On a scale of 1 to 10, I would have no hesitation to give Galway the top mark of 10. I personally believe that Galway is certainly one of the best places to spend a year abroad, or a term in my case. Galway is a city full of life, music, dance, culture, and lovely people which altogether form that famous Irish craic. I think that living in Galway is an enjoyable experience. Even the weather was made up for. I really liked being a student at NUI Galway, to the point that I'm looking forward to going back to do a postgraduate. All my courses were both impeccably designed and delivered. All lecturers showed an unquestionable mastery of their respective realms. Regarding learning facilities, they're quite comfortable, clean and adequately equipped with screens, speakers and projectors, which help lectures take a multimedia-oriented approach that I found extremely interesting and helpful. The library was an invaluable tool for us with its vast catalogue, computers and friendly and helpful staff. In one word I would rate it as excellent! Students at NUI Galway are offered an integral formation (academic, societal, altruistic, sporting, cultural, and recreational). This approach is quite beneficial and enjoyable in my opinion. Being a university student became a pleasurable experience. Regarding the International Office (IO), they were extremely helpful. My time in Galway definitely surpassed my already high expectations. I had the time of my life. I met people who would become some of my best friends. I learnt to love every drop of rain. Every day was full of surprises. My time in Galway was, as the Irish would say, sound! There aren't enough lines to say half the things I'd like to, but I'm so glad I had the chance to be a Galwegian for a while, and I would definitely do it again if I could.
Vijay B Bansode, India	I am doing PhD in HIV Drug resistance and evolution in Molecular Evolution Lab. I found NUI Galway is great place to study. I found the quality of research work is one of the best. With all top-end facilities, the labs are equipped with one of the most advanced instruments andone can do almost any type of work in the area of biology. The liberary facility is excellent with access to almost all types of journals and are easy to access online which is important esp when you have busy lab schedule.The staff is internationally welknown which is reflected in many top end international journals. Galway is one of the best places I have ever seen. I love to wander around shopstreet as it is liveliest place with great enthusiasm in people. Also the city is calm with beautiful long stretch of beach where you can spend hours! The people are lovely, you can experience real life in the one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. I could get Indian food easily with authentic Indian taste! Also I could get all types of local Indian goods from the Indian shops here. Also I can hang around the city safely at any time. I feel I am the luckiest person in the world as I got admission at this lovely place. The university is located at such a place from where you can have panoramic views of Corrib river. You can have access all facilities in max 15 mins of walk. From Cricket to Rowing, one can access almost all types of sports in the world. This too backed up with excellent training facilities. I have not encountered a single problem in dealing with my immigration issues as the international office is ready at any time to tackle all problems.
Lauren Paul USA	I love everything about Galway.  Being so close to town made the experience very unique, as we never missed any of the excitement.  I think the town is beautiful and has such a charm that I will sincerely miss once back in the States. There is something to be said about the Irish people and their ability to make you always feel welcome. NUI Galway is a very different experience than my home university, and the way I learned was drastically different, but very much in a good way.  Attendance, and school work is very much dependent on one's own will to succeed, which taught me how to traverse my remaining years of college.  I loved every single one of my lecturers, they were all so willing to teach and guide us in ways that I was not used to. One of my lecturers will forever be a mentor to me, as she was a great friend as well. My overall experience as NUI Galway was beyond what I could have ever imagine.  I took part in several different societies like the International Students Society, and the Food and Drink Society, which only immersed me further into the culture of not only Ireland but also other European countries.  I think joining extracurricular activities is vital to my success at NUIG as it allowed me to fully take part in the University life and make some of the best friends I would have never met otherwise. I will sincerely miss everything about my semester here in Galway and at NUIG.  I loved every single minute of my experiences here, and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  My time here has proved to mature me beyond what I ever thought I could be, and there is so much of this culture that has become a part of who I am and will take back home with me. I know this will not be my last time in Ireland, and I look forward to the time when I do return.
Rongbing Yang China	Studying abroad isn’t just about obtaining a degree and learning the language. It teaches students to take care of themselves. This is especially important for Chinese students because they are often the only child in their family. When I did my masters degree at NUIU Galway, I noticed there are many ways to carry out research, I learnt how to ask questions and how to solve those questions. Irish people are very friendly, they treat foreigners very nicely and they are very passionate about what they do. I have also made some great friends, both Irish and other nationalities.
Kelsey Pierce USA	I thought NUI Galway was an excellent place to study. I enjoyed almost all of my lecturers, especially the ones who taught a smaller class size. I thought the library could have been a bit larger (especially around finals time) for the size of the school, but it seemed like it usually did the job. There were many PC Suites in different buildings around campus which were convenient to go online between classes or during down time. I really enjoyed my overall experience studying at NUI Galway.

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When I first arrived in Galway, the first thing I noticed, other than the "perfect" weather, was the friendliness of the Irish people. As a whole, the people here are very warm and welcoming, so I had no problem settling down. Ireland is such a beautiful country and I have been lucky enough to visit several interesting places, namely the picturesque Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

NUI Galway has a healthy mix of international and local students. I've been able to make friends with Botswanans, Kuwaitis and French students as well as Irish students. The International Students' Dinner held each semester is highly successful in promoting cultural exchange between students from many countries. In addition, being actively involved in the Malaysian Society in NUI Galway helps me promote my country and culture in Ireland.

Medicine in NUI Galway has taught me to be more independent. The course is well scheduled as well as practical. There is very much a "hands on approach". Despite having to brave the rain and wind to get to class, I have thoroughly enjoyed studying here. All in all, I reckon living and studying in Galway has certainly broadened my perspective.

Adilla Nur Halim
Malaysia
3rd year Medicine

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I’m doing an LLM in international human rights law, and find the classes to be stimulating and of a very high standard.  Both academic and administrative staff are dedicated and helpful.  The students in my class come from many different countries and cultures, which enriches my experience as a student here at NUI Galway and the Irish students have been very welcoming.

The city of Galway is a perfect canvas for a vibrant and exciting student life.  There is no shortage of theatres, cafes, shops, clubs and of course, Irish pubs!
Overall, the NUI Galway experience has been extremely rewarding (and a whole lot of fun too!).

Melissa Hacking
South Africa
L.L.M.
International Human Rights Law

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Due to the unavailability of any college to teach my chosen subjects through English, I initially applied and was one of two scholarships to Boston College in the U.S. However, the International Affairs Office did some research on my behalf and the option of attending university in Malta, where English is the teaching language, was offered. After much deliberation, I chose Malta and have absolutely no regrets in doing so.

I had a wonderful time and the entire experience left such an impression on me that I am contemplating returning to live in Malta for a while after my studies. The possibility of doing an M.A. in Malta is also on the horizon. Before leaving last September, I decided that I wanted to engage as much as I could in learning new skills both inside and outside the academic field, while living with and getting to know Maltese people and their society. By joining the University sports club, I was eligible for reduced price diving lessons and having built such an excellent relationship with the diving company , I have been offered an internship leading to a diver instructor qualification.

The Erasmus Programme was a very enriching experience for me and by having to face the various challenges it offered, I gained a deepening and maturity of character. It also offered me the unique opportunity to be one of the first students to attend university in Malta from NUI Galway - my small contribution to the history of the institution.

David Donnellan
Galway
Erasmus Student
2004/2005

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I feel that the university staff put a lot of effort into making the International students feel welcome. The initial orientation session was long, but comprehensive. It really helped me in getting settled into the university.

The grading and credit systems are different here, but that does not seem to pose much of a problem. There is a greater need for independent work, however. One aspect that I am not accustomed to, is not having a definite reading list. Lecturers provide a long list of books and suggest that students choose a few of them to read. I am used to professors supplying a list of required reading, where everyone reads the same books and articles. At first, I found this to be quite daunting, but the open reading list allows students to concentrate further on areas that interest them during lectures. Also, I love to read, and having a long reading list for later use is something I appreciate. 

I believe there is a great cultural mix of students. I often find myself watching people walk by as I wait for class, and I am amazed by all of the different languages that I hear -Spanish, French, German, etc. I am an International Studies major at home, and the diversity of the campus provides for a great learning experience about different cultures and ideas. It is like I am not only studying in Ireland, but studying in Europe as a whole. 

Galway is a great place to attend school. There is plenty to do within walking distance, and many places to go by bus. I have been on a few day trips over the past few weeks and plan on traveling outside of the country. Shannon Airport is a short bus ride away from Galway, and buses to Dublin are easily accessible. Overall, I am very happy with living in Galway and with the University’s effort to make Internationals feel more at home. Studying abroad is a great experience in itself, but I am glad the I choose to study at NUIG.

Jenna Ray Doherty
United States
Semester Abroad Student
International Studies

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Hello there!! I chose to study at NUI Galway because I felt it would have the benefits of living in a city but yet would have the friendliness and community of a small town. I definitely made the right decision. I found it easy to settle in and adapt to my new environment. As for the wet weather, the people here overly compensate for it!! People are very friendly and approachable and willing to help, which is very important to you when you arrive in a new country and don’t know anyone. It also is much cheaper to live and study here.  I can walk almost everywhere and don’t have to pay for the cost of public transport. 

I love the vibrant, energetic atmosphere in the city. There is a great social life with so many things to do throughout the year.  I think the clubs and societies in the university are a fantastic way of meeting new people with similar interests. Whether you are from Botswana, like me, Irish, or from any other country, we are all international to each other and it is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and customs.

I find the lecturers on my course very approachable and helpful. Although my course is very challenging, we are given the resources to learn in a logical and systematic way, and yet encouraged to have an enquiring mind, open to new ideas.

I have really enjoyed my time here so far! Not only have I learnt about Ireland, I have also had the chance to travel to the UK, Scotland and France during my time here. All in all, I have to say, although I my miss my home and will return home after my studies, I will bring with me experiences and memories that will stay with me forever. Although Botswana is my home, Galway is now my adopted home.

Thekiso Thekiso
Botswana
5th year Medicine

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I received a warm welcome when I arrived in NUI Galway in September of this year. Before coming to Galway I had some problems in relation to my visa application. But thanks to the help of the International Affairs office my visa was granted.

I reckon that all the support services in the university are very efficient. I found my accommodation thanks to the help of the Accommodation office. Furthermore the Orientation day for international students was very well organized. We were given maps of the city and the campus, useful information about life in Galway and the university's departments.

I consider that the quality of education is very good. For my discipline (law) handouts have been provided for all the subjects. The lectures are mainly interactive and the teachers are always ready to help you especially when they know that you're a foreign student.

I find Galway to be a very charming and vibrant city full of students and young people. The landscape is nice and peaceful. There is always something to do - go to the theatre, listen to live music in a pub or join the international Student Society where you have the opportunity to meet lots of new people and go on a lot of trips.

Therefore I would say  - Don't hesitate to take the advantage of being an International student at NUI Galway. It will be an experience that you will never forget.

Kristina Andonova
Bulgaria
Erasmus Student

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I completed the first two years of my Bachelor of Commerce at the Shannon College of Hotel Management.  I am really enjoying being part of a much bigger College.  It is very easy to meet with my professors and ask for their assistance. I have 13 hours per week of lectures. I have made a lot of new friends at NUI Galway.  I have joined the Yoga Club, which I find is helping me with my studies. 

Emma Yang
China
3rd year Commerce

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I feel very privileged to be part of this University.  I have always wanted to study accounting and finance and am really enjoying the final year of my BComm in Galway.  Apart from the academic life, the social aspect of studying in Galway is very enjoyable.  I feel it is really helping my personal development.  I'm very confident that my year in NUIG will be very enjoyable, and it certainly will be a great starting point for my future.

Min Jin
China
3rd year Commerce

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I arrived in Galway in August of this year. I am studying Foreign Languages for Business and Tourism and this is my third year in University. Although I know many Italian students who have chosen to spend a year abroad in England, I am glad I chose Ireland. I find the people very friendly and welcoming in Galway and although I am only here a couple of months I feel very much at home.

I have made many new friends since I arrived. I think the Clubs and Societies are a great way to meet new people from different cultures who share similar interests. There is so much to do that I never feel bored.

I find the lecturers in my class very helpful and understanding towards international students. They understand that you are away from home and are always willing to sit and listen to you or help with any problems you might have. I also find the facilities on campus, like computers are great. Everything is very modern.

I have started taking classes in Irish on campus and I have learnt "Cead Mile Failte" - one hundred thousand welcomes. I think this best describes the people I have met since I arrived in Galway.

AnnaLisa Foglia
Italy
Erasmus Student

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I am Sreenath Chandran from India, doing my PhD in Bioinformatics at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES), NUI Galway. This is my first experience of being out of my country and I have to say that the people both in Galway and at NUIG have never made me feel - ’away from home!. I have found the staff that I have dealt with since I arrived at NUI Galway to be very warm and friendly.

The support services are superb - whether its the paperwork you have to complete, settling in to Galway, registering with the Garda or whatever the question, the staff are on hand to help. The university also arranges small tours and meetings, which act as an arena for people from different places and backgrounds to meet, get to know each other and share their views. This helps build human relationships and friendships among the fellow students.

The University has an excellent campus with the necessary infrastructure in place From the bank to the canteen, cafeteria and bar, everything is there. The University has a state of the art library and internet facility for students to make use of. NUIG is well placed in Galway, where everything, including accommodation is just a few minutes stroll from the campus. With the river Corrib flowing alongside, there are spectacular views and lovely places to relax.

NCBES has one of the most sophisticated Biotechnology and Biomedical labs that I have ever seen. Together with ultra modern facilities & equipment and the warm people working there , I think I am in the best place where I can learn new things and nourish the scientist in me. I am looking forward to the wonderful time that I am going to spend at NUI Galway!

Sreenath Chandran
India
PHD Student
National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES)

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I arrived in Ireland in January 1999. I came to Galway  on the Erasmus programme, to spend 6 months, with no idea of what would lie ahead. It was my first time in this country and I was both excited and worried. The second feeling disappeared as soon as I arrived in the university. I encountered some of the most friendly people I have ever met and they made me feel at home. The lecturers were very helpful and I still think of them as friends rather than just teachers. I still have a lot of friends that I made at the university - people I met through societies, meetings or during my classes. I must say that the university is very well organised and supportive of students who come from abroad. The people in the Accommodation Office were great and found me an apartment within a few hours.

I haven’t been back to Ireland since, as I travel a lot with my job. I hope to do so soon as I would like to return to Galway again - to a place that is still in my heart.


Carlo Vellutini
Italy
Erasmus student

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