Ireland: Galway Summer

Program Overview

Galway, with a population of 62,000, is the ideal European university town. A significant number of Galway’s population is made up of current or former college students; the resulting interdependence of town and gown has helped build a compact, thriving city that caters to young people. Galway has been enjoying an economic boom in recent times; yet, it still retains a powerful and intimate sense of community. For nearly a thousand years, Galway has been the largest and most important city in the west of Ireland. As the capital of Connemara – the outcropping of land between the River Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean – Galway is at the heart of one of the world’s most scenic and evocative landscapes. Cultural richness is reflected by the strong academic programs in Irish Studies offered by the University, and by the lively arts scene for which Galway is renowned.

Academic Profile

National University of Ireland in Galway

The National University of Ireland, Galway was established in 1845 and is located in the fourth largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The school, situated on the banks of the River Corrib, offers a variety of student services that are all close to Galway's city center. Galway is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a thriving cultural and commercial community. Traces of Galway's rich medieval past are evident on all sides. Because of its dynamic and pioneering role in theater, arts and culture, Galway has earned the title "Cultural Capital of Ireland". The University now has over 15,000 students and more than fifty academic departments and research centers. Academic resources include a library, computer resource center, an Irish Language Center, and the Applied Languages Center. Over 1,500 international students, almost 10% of the student population, representing 50 countries attend University College Galway each year. The international students are mainly from Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Course Offerings

Irish Studies - six credits
As part of the Irish Studies programme, introductory classes in Irish Language will be provided for interested students. Teaching will be by means of lectures, seminars, dramatic performances, guided tours, and informed contact with the music, language, and people of Ireland. An interdisciplinary approach will be used within each course and between the courses of the Irish Studies programme. A relevant text for all courses will be Irish Studies: a General Introduction. Students will have access to library, audio and visual facilities of the University. Assessment for those requiring credit will be carried out on a continuous basis.
Irish Language - six credits
National University of Ireland, Galway offers Irish Language courses at beginning and intermediate levels each summer. These courses are located at the University's Irish Language Centre (Arus Mhairtin Ui Chadhain). Carraroe (An Cheathru Rua) in the heart of Connemara, Quite apart from being a region of great beauty, Connemara is also a major Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking district) and is endowed with a rich folk tradition. The village of An Cheathru Rua, therefore, provides the ideal location for learning Irish in its natural environment.
International Writers' Course - six credits
The Creative Writing Summer School was inaugurated in 1990 by National University of Ireland, Galway in association with the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. This Galway Summer School provides a unique setting for graduate and undergraduate student of creative writing to work under the direction of writers from Ireland and the United States, with contributions from several prominent Irish poets and fiction writers, such as John McGahern, Dermot Healy, Thomas Kilroy, Eavan Boland, Paula Meehan and Richard Murphy, amongst others.
The Programme is divided into two 3 credit units, "Reading Ireland" and "Creative Writing".

Activities and Opportunities

Housing

Student may choose to stay at residences available to the university. Accommodation charges differ for each programme. Breakfast and luncheon will be available at campus restaurants, or may be obtained in any of Galway’s hotels, restaurants or bistros. Dinner or high tea may also be obtained locally.

Alumni Feedback

"It was rewarding meeting the Irish students and others through societies and other shared interests."
- Johanna Biviano

"The environment and the people were extraordinary. I made some great friends, and the chance to explore and travel was wonderful."
- Angelina Moore

"I met many people and made some great friends. The satisfaction of traveling completely on my own was the greatest feeling of independence I've ever known."
- Allison MacDonald

Galway Summer Program Details

Duration

Irish Studies – June 24-July 24, 2008
Irish Language – July 18-August 15, 2008
International Writers' Course – June 24-July 24, 2008

Application Deadline(s)

April 1, 2008

Eligibility Requirements

Interested students should have at least sophomore standing and a GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale or higher, in addition to transcripts and three letters of recommendation.

Costs

Contact Sponsor

Costs Included

The program fee includes tuition, instructional fees and insurance

Costs Not Included

Passport, room & board, books, airfare and personal expenses

Entry Requirements

U.S. Passport
Non-U.S. citizens check with Irish Consulate for entry requirements

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Submit Application Materials To:

Alice Sayegh, Director

International Studies
St. Bonaventure University
Reilly Center 221B
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778
1-716-375-2574
1-716-375-7882 (Fax)
asayegh@sbu.edu

- or -

Alci Arias, Assistant Director

Center for International Education Abroad Truman State University
Kirk Building 114
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4076
(660) 785-7473 (Fax)
aclidean@truman.edu

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS