| Academics |
Academic Program
The University of Galway International Summer School offers you a range of courses in Irish Studies, Irish Language and Archaeology. The courses aim to give you a rich and diverse perspective of the subject area and are taught by lecturers and education professionals who have a vast range of knowledge of their subject matter.
Archaeology (3 credits)
The Galway Archaeological Field School seeks to immerse students in the wealth of medieval castles, churches and monasteries which lie scattered across the Irish landscape. For the Summer 2025 term, the Field School will be offering SS124 - Castles, Cloisters and Churches: The Architecture of Medieval Ireland as the only class this term.
Business and International Management (6 credits)
Expand your professional work experience and increase your knowledge of international business and economics with this new and exciting summer school in business including specialist courses in economic policy in Ireland and international cross-cultural management. The summer school in Business will consist of two courses, delivered in parallel providing students with a multi-disciplinary approach to studying business and developing the skills to work within an international business setting.
Ecology (6 credits)
This new and exciting summer school course offers students practical experience of the natural environment in the west of Ireland. It provides students with the survey skills to identify natural resources, and develops their skills to evaluate the sustainable use and conservation of Ireland's ecological resources. County Galway, on Ireland's Atlantic west coast is a land of contrast. Influenced by its oceanic climate, glacial history, hydrology, geology and human habitation, it has developed a variety of beautiful landscapes with unique and fascinating habitats and species.
Education (ONLY Graduate and Post-Grad Students - 3 credits)
This Continuing Professional Development program is designed to offer teachers the opportunity to study particular aspects of the Irish education system and, concurrently, to study the history, literature and culture of Ireland. It is suitable for elementary and secondary teachers, adult learning practitioners, STEM, minority language and special education teachers, those involved in school administration and graduate researchers.
*Irish Language (6 credits)
This program offers the opportunity to learn Irish in its natural environment. A range of Irish-language courses are offered at beginners’, elementary, intermediate and advanced levels each summer. More information on the courses can be found HERE.
Irish Studies (6 credits)
The Irish Studies Summer School comprises an integrated introduction to Irish Studies incorporating elements from all the contributing disciplines, a series of interdisciplinary seminars focusing on key themes in Irish Studies such as Identity, Emigration, and Religion, and a broad range of elective courses.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Review The University of Galway's website for more information regarding course offerings.
Course equivalency information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program may be approved to satisfy the World History/International Perspectives or other UAlbany General Education requirements, if you earn appropriate credit in these areas and receive approval using the General Education Substitution Request form.
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, with approval by the associated academic department(s). You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
All courses successfully completed through this program abroad that are not assigned a specific UAlbany course equivalency will at least count as UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.
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| Accommodations |
Housing
Irish Studies, Education, Ecology, and Business and International Management (6 credits)
- Student Residence Halls (single room)
*Irish Language (6 credits)
- Accommodations are provided with Irish-speaking families. All participants are required to stay in approved accommodations
- Family Homestay (Full Board – single)
- Family Homestay (Full Board – double)
Detailed information about accommodations are available online here.
Meals
Irish Studies, Education, Ecology, and Business and International Management (6 credits)
You will live in the Student Residence and you will not have a meal plan. You may choose to (if possible) purchase meals in the cafeteria, cook, or eat out at local restaurants.
*Irish Language (6 credits)
You will live in a family homestay during your stay and meals will be provided for you. You can also choose to eat out at local restaurants. |
| Costs |
Estimate of Costs
Ireland: University of Galway Summer
If you are interested in studying Archaeology or Irish Language at the University of Galway Summer School, please contact studyabroad@albany.edu for a custom cost estimate.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
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| Eligibility |
Academic Requirements
Archaeology
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. You must be in good academic standing and show an interest in the overall program content. If your GPA is below the level indicated, consult with us about whether or not you should apply. Must be physically fit, as fieldwork is quite strenuous.
Business and International Management
A minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum one full year at the college level is required. You must be in good academic standing and show an interest in the overall program content. If your GPA is below the level indicated, consult with us about whether or not you should apply.
Ecology
A minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum one full year at the college level is required. Must be taking some form of Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural history, courses in your studies. 'Reasonable level of fitness' is encouraged due to required short hikes and uneven terrain.
Education
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, and should be practicing teachers, graduate students in Education, or doctoral students in the field of Education.
Irish Studies
A minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of two full years at the college level is required. You must be in good academic standing and show an interest in the overall program content. If your GPA is below the level indicated, consult with us about whether or not you should apply.
*Irish Language
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. You must be in good academic standing and show an interest in the overall program content. If your GPA is below the level indicated, consult with us about whether or not you should apply. |
| Excursions |
Experiential Learning
Information below is subject to change.
Irish Studies:
Field trips are an integral part of the program.
- SS115 Representing Ireland – Literature & Film will visit Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee and Kilmacduagh.
- SS116 The Archaeological Heritage of Ireland will visit sites in the Burren.
- SS117 take part in an off-campus debate in an historical venue.
- SS118 Introduction to Art in Ireland will visit the Book of Kells and the National Museum in Dublin.
- SS119 Creative Writing: Poetry and Fiction will attend, and participate in, a number of literary events in Galway City.
- SS120 go on an excursion to the Galway City Museum for a guided tour and discussion.
- SS121 will take a guided cultural walking tour of Galway’s City Centre
- SS122 partake in Irish Music and Dance workshops
- Students of SS1153 Economic Policy will go on a field trip to the National Parliament of Ireland.
*Irish Language
Excursions and visits are arranged to several Irish-speaking locations to experience language and culture in their natural environment. Towns and villages that are visited include Ros Muc and An Spidéal, with its local specialised crafts and a day trip to one of the Aran Islands. A visit to the renowned Kylemore Abbey and Clifden town is also arranged during the course.
Achill Archaeological Field School
This two-week course will investigate the architecture and archaeology of the castles, churches and cloisters of medieval Ireland. Students will visit a wide variety of historic buildings and will learn to analyse, describe and record these structures using a series of key survey techniques. Beginning in the early medieval period, the course will examine a number of pre-Norman ecclesiastical sites before going on to explore the wealth of Anglo-Norman and Gaelic castles and monasteries which are found across the Irish landscape. This field-based module will provide students with a solid understanding of the evolution of Irish medieval architecture and will also give them key transferable skills in building analysis and survey. |
| Scholarships |
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
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| Testimonials |
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| Contact |
Speak with an Advisor
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| Location |
About the City
Galway has a rich history and still retains the charming character of a medieval city. Galway is a university town and a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that makes Galway particularly attractive to students and tourists alike. Galway is also one of the few areas where you will still hear the native Celtic tongue. We encourage you to learn more about Ireland and the cultural capital of Galway!
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. United States citizens do not need a student visa to study in Ireland unless you are staying in the country for more than 90 days. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
**If the ETIAS system is launched and running, you may need to complete the registration. Your study abroad advisor and your host institution will advise you on the process as more information is released.
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| Duration |
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Summer program application open in December or early January
Program Dates
Archaeology
- Session 1: June 2nd through June 13th
- Session 4: June 30th through July 11th
Business and International Management
Ecology
Education
Irish Language
Irish Studies
Additional information is located on the University of Galway Summer School website.
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| Overview |
About the Program
The University of Galway's past is intertwined with the history of Galway and Ireland. From humble beginnings, the University of Galway has grown massively in size and reputation over the past 170 years. According to QS World University Rankings, the University is now among the Top 1% in the world, and we are recognized as being one of the best universities for our international outlook.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted in April, and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at the University of Galway, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
The University of Galway's International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
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