International Student Ambassadors

Our International Studnet Ambassadors are delighted to share their experiences of student life and learning with you.

 Name: Ameer Gazder
Studying: Law, Undergraduate
Home Country: United States
Email: A.GAZDER1@nuigalway.ie
International Student Blogs

My name is Ameer Gazder, I am 18 years old and I am doing a Bachelor of Civil Law at NUI Galway.

I come from Narragansett, Rhode Island but have strong family ties in Ireland. Having been born in Galway, I have spent my entire life coming back to Ireland during school vacations and summers to visit family and enjoy the amazing culture and atmosphere of Ireland.

It was this affection, familiarization and attachment to Ireland that drove me, as an American, to actually attend university in Europe, specifically NUI Galway.

Studying in Ireland has provided me with valuable insight into the educational, professional and cultural atmospheres of the country, which I now wish to share with other American students who are looking into possibly studying abroad in Ireland.

Be it the fantastic education system present in the universities, the rich culture and heritage of the country, the warm hospitality of its inhabitants or any of the other countless reasons to love Ireland, there is always something that captures the heart of every student who studies here.

And as a student ambassador, I will be tremendously eager to help potential international students find their own specific niche here in Ireland.

Name: Julia Warnes
Studying: Medieval Studies, Postgraduate
Home Country: Canada

Hi, my name is Julia Warnes and I’m currently doing an MA in Medieval Studies at NUI Galway. I’m originally from Canada but decided to make the move to Ireland from a drive to experience Irish culture and explore my heritage.

The decision was one that I will never regret. Since my arrival, the university has truly demonstrated all the wonderful things it has to offer. Probably the number one word I would use to describe the place is welcoming. The people are extremely friendly and although I have only been in this country for a few months, it is already starting to feel like home.

Galway is a great city to meet new people and make lifelong friends. One of the most encouraging aspects about the university is that the faculty has been so supportive and they really take an interest in the students.

My program is ideal because of its interdisciplinary nature, allowing students to interact with other departments and explore other fields of knowledge. NUI Galway is a great place to study, with its high academic standards and supportive student environment.

Name: Kelsey Donohue
Studying: Visiting Student, Study Abroad
Home Country: United States
Email: Kelsey.Donohue1@Marist.edu
International Student Blogs

Hi there! My name is Kelsey Donohue and I am delighted to be a student ambassador for NUI Galway! I am originally from Long Island, New York. I am in my third year of study at Marist College, which is located in New York’s Hudson River Valley. I am currently a Communication major with a concentration in Public Relations with minors in History and Psychology.

Studying at NUI Galway has been amazing so far. Volunteerism is a very big part to the NUI Galway community, which I’ve been able to take part in through the ALIVE program. Volunteering at the Galway IronMan event and the Intercultural Children’s Forum were probably two of the coolest things I’ve taken apart of during my time here so far.

I chose to study in Ireland, and specifically Galway, because of the opportunity to be really immersed into the culture here. Since I arrived in August, Galway really has been able to live up to its “cultural heart” reputation. Whether it’s taking a stroll down the Salthill Prom or showing any visitors the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, I realize I truly feel at home here.

Although my time here is short, I’ve enjoyed every second of it! If you have any questions regarding studying in Ireland, please don’t hesitate to email me.

/media/nuigalwayie/content/images/studentlife/internationalstudent/siobhan_web.JPG

Name: Siobhan Keenan
Studying: Arts, Undergraduate
Home Country: United States
Email: S.KEENAN4@nuigalway.ie
International Student Blogs

My name is Siobhan Keenan and I am from Midland Park, New Jersey, USA.  

I am currently studying English and Psychological Studies in my second year at NUI Galway. I chose NUI Galway because I love Galway City and the school couldn’t be a better fit. 

My two subjects, English and Psychological Studies are the perfect fit for what I was looking for.  I’ve come to Ireland ever since I was a child and I couldn’t be happier that I now get to live here year round in one of my favorite cities.

Name: Siobhan Allaeddini
Studying: Business, Undergraduate
Home Country: United States
Email: S.ALLAEDDINI1@nuigalway.ie
International Student Blogs

Hello all aspiring scholars, my name is Siobhan Allaeddini and I am from Newport Beach, California. I am currently attending NUI Galway where I am studying Commerce and will be graduating in 2013. Often when people realize I am from a foreign destination I get asked the same question, “Why did you leave Orange County for Galway?”

The answer is simple enough. The culture, lifestyle and education programs far exceed anything I felt I could have received at home. In most European universities, from the moment you begin your course you are studying what you wish to pursue your career in. No general education classes teaching you things you are genuinely not interested in. In essence, you get what you pay for and what you want. In addition to the straight-forward education system, Ireland and its people have a reputation for being THE friendliest and liveliest European country. Prior to my attending NUI Galway, I had been to Ireland several times between my Irish Dancing competitions and my mother visiting her immediate family members (she was born and raised in Kildare, Ireland). The culture and lifestyle were no surprise to me; however, I know for most other students it isn’t all that drastic either. That can be credited to the people and laidback atmosphere that encompasses all of Ireland.