Galway, Ireland

Overview

The National University of Ireland, Galway is located on the banks of the river Corrib in Western Ireland. Galway is a modern urban center of 80,000 people that is known to many as a cultural center of Ireland. A Willamette professor accompanies the students to Galway. The WU professor teaches one course to the students as well as leads the excursions. Excursions include Dublin, Northern Ireland and Cork among others. The Program Faculty Leader for the spring semester 2011 semester will be Wendy Peterson Boring of the History Department. The Faculty Leader for 2010 is Todd Silverstein, Chemistry. Other Faculty Leaders for this program include Ortwin Knorr (Classic al Studies, 2009), Mike Strelow (English, 2008), Mark Conliffe (Russian, 2007), Charlie Wallece (Religious Studies, 2006), Steve Hey (Sociology, 2005), Lane McGaughy (Religious Studies, 2004), Ken Nolley (English, 2003), Myles Jackson (Science Studies, 2002), James Thompson (Art, 2001), and Bill Braden (English, 2000).

Academics

While at NUI students take an Irish Studies course equivalent to 1.0 WU credits, a course taught by the WU professor also equivalent to 1.0 WU credits, and two to four additional elective courses. The university has approximately 8,000 full time students and offers a large variety of courses to choose from. This program is highly recommended for most humanities majors, however, many natural science courses are available. Search for courses available to visiting students on NUI's website. Natural Science students click on Course Descriptions on NUI's Overseas Students website.

Housing

Students live in campus housing with Irish flatmates. Most students have single rooms and share bathrooms and kitchen facilities with one or more students.

Dates

The Galway program is available during the spring semester only. The program starts in early January and exams conclude by mid-May.

Cost

Willamette tuition plus a program fee equivalent to Willamette's room cost (not including a meal plan.) The program fee includes housing, excursions and on-site support. Meals are not included in the cost paid to Willamette University, students will cook or purchase their own meals. Students should also plan on paying their police registration fee upon arrival to Galway - the registration fee is 150 Euros (2009).

Other Information

Famous Irish poet Dr. Louis de Paor teaches part of the Irish Studies course.

Pre-departure Resources

National University of Ireland, Galway
NUIG's International Affairs Office (international students)
NUIG courses for visiting students
Housing: Gort na Coiribe
General information about Galway
News
Local Weather
Embassy of Ireland: historical and government information
CIA World Factbook
Lonely Planet Guide