Hiii my name is Orla and I currently am an international student from Minneapolis, MN, USA studying Human Rights at NUIG!!!
Nuig is such a special place to study. You are free to choose an education path that suits your personal learning processes while following your passions. I have always wanted to learn about the world and how to tangibly enact change in both my community, and on a larger international scale, the BA with Human Rights Course has given me the opportunity to study international law through the lense of current/historical events from professors within the field. Next year I will begin my placement where, for a semester, I will be able to work in the field and get real world experience for University credit. Nuig has a huge focus on collaboration, so within each of my classes I get to work on assignments with my peers as well as reflecting on my personal learning with individual assessments. It really is the perfect mix!! There is something for everyone.
You truly cannot move to galway without mentioning/ taking pics of/ accidentally/ on purpose making all your friends jealous of the WILD scenery of the west coast of Ireland. It truly is beautiful. Living by the sea for the first time in my life has forced me to celebrate the glorious outdoors and take up sea swimming. I may have had been extra prepared for the cold atlantic coming from snowy Minnesota, but the culture of sea swimming at the community of people in galway who are passionate about their environment, both for enjoyment and protecting their climate is truly so unique and my favorite part of going to school at NUIG. I cannot recommend NUIG enough, there are so many academic programs to choose from and societies ranging from yoga, to taylor swift, to baking, and more there is really something for everyone all wrapped up in the most charming city in Ireland.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Living in Galway you are fairly central to go on weekend trips around Ireland to see the sites which is very cool and there are endless things to do locally. But if you are ready for something a little more adventurous the Dublin Airport is also very easy to get to(by bus) and the rest of Europe is fairly accessible to go on quick trips on a budget!! This year I got really into a band from my hometown and I was so excited to see they were going on a European tour this fall. Some friends and I decided on Monday that we would go to Amsterdam and left on saturday morning with tickets for under $30!! We had a really great time on a student budget!! Truly one of the most surprising, spare of the moment, best things I have ever done!! Nuig student life is full of exciting opportunities!!