Study Abroad Experience in Galway, Ireland

Studying abroad in Galway was the most remarkable experience in my life thus far. I feel as though studying in Ireland has helped me to become more culturally educated, well rounded, resilient and understanding of the world. I am incredibly thankful for taking advantage of this opportunity and reflecting on it has been extremely rewarding. Besides the diverse educational benefits through broader perspectives, excitement of a new atmosphere and opportunity to travel much of Europe I am especially touched by and thankful for the people I have met from Ireland and from all over the globe. Some will be lifelong friendships that I value so much and wouldn’t have otherwise met these incredible individuals hadn’t I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I took a History seminar called “The First World War: Transnational Perspectives”, a Philosophy course, “History of the Irish Thought”, An Urban Geography course and a Microbial Infectious Disease course along with an online thesis seminar through my home University. The Faculty and students at NUIG were incredibly welcoming and kind. Professors are approachable and willing to help their students. At first there was a bit of a cultural learning curve and I needed to adjust myself to the University’s style of teaching, but quickly adapted. It wasn’t long before Galway felt like a second home. Galway city has a lovely charm to it and although I was thankful to have explored other cities such as London and Paris during my Study Abroad endeavors, it is safe to say that Ireland was my favorite and I would encourage other students who are filled with wanderlust to go visit and study there because it is truly a once in a lifetime experience.