Villanova University and the National University of Galway, Ireland

Villanova University's Center in Galway demonstrates the University’s acknowledgement of and commitment to an increasingly global world. Villanova's program in Galway was established during the academic year 2001-2002, and has had significant success in introducing students to the the many facets of life in modern Ireland. Since 2001, over 300 Villanova students have spent a semester studying at NUI Galway.

With the program, Villanova students are guided through their semester or year-long studies by our Resident Director Dr. Mary O’Malley Madec who will assist students in coordinating and implementing their on-site orientation, registration, and be the on-site liaison between Villanova University and NUI Galway. Dr. O'Malley Madec also teaches the Villanova Irish Studies course with is a hallmark of a Villanova Semester program.

NUI Galway is able to fulfill the enrollment needs of most Villanova University majors including many specific Business and Engineering requirements, as well as a full list of Liberal Arts courses.

In addition to academics, the Dr. Mary O'Malley Madec also coordinates field trips and points students in the proper direction for many extracurricular activities. Returning students have regaled the Office of International Studies with stories of anything from joining local rugby teams to volunteering in the local community!

Academics

All Villanova students studying at NUI Galway for the semester are automatically enrolled in the Irish Studies Seminar IS4100, which it taught by resident director Dr. Mary O'Malley Madec. This required course makes full use of the surrounding city by complementing weekly seminars on such topics as Celtic Ireland, Irish music and dance, and contemporary Irish society, with numerous study trips to area historical sites and towns. Since this course is interdisciplinary, it may count towards various requirements depending on the students' interests and academic needs, including but not limited to the Irish Studies Concentration. Upon successful completion of this IS4100 class, Villanova students will be awarded a letter grade which will count towards their official GPA.

In addition to the IS4100 course, students are required to register in 4 additional courses chosen from a wide-range of subjects taught at NUI Galway.  A preliminary course selection is organized with each student's OIS advisor prior to departure, however official enrollment does not occur until students arrive on site in Galway during orientation.  Information on specific class offerings can be found on NUI Galway's website. All courses taught at NUI Galway will be awarded transfer credit and will not affect Villanova GPA.

The academic environment at NUI Galway is different than that at Villanova. Most classes will be held in a larger lecture style setting and students will be expected to keep up with the readings and the assignments.  Often, classes will only have one or two exams or papers which will be the basis for a student's entire grade. This type of learning demands that students take individual responsibility for their coursework.

More information about academic and cultural life in Galway can be found in NUI Galway's Handbook for Visiting North American Students.

Housing and Meals

Most Villanova University students choose to live at the Gort na Coiribe student village. These accommodations are fully integrated, allowing students to truly immerse themselves in Irish life by living with other Irish and international students. Gort na Coiribe occupies a prime central site at the Headford Road roundabout in Galway. Only a short distance from Eyre Square and approximately 15 minutes walk from the University, Gort na Coiribe provides the perfect location for both the academic and social aspects of a student’s life in Galway.

Villanova University will work with accepted students to submit a separate housing application to Gort na Coiribe. However, once a student is offered placement at Gort na Coiribe, all housing deposits and semester payments will be made directly to Gort na Coiribe.  Estimated housing costs for a semester can be found on the Gort na Coiribe website. 

While living at Gort na Coiribe, students are responsible for buying and cooking all meals. The kitchen in each house/apartment contains an oven, fridge and microwave and is fully equipped with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. There is a grocery store right across the street from Gort na Coiribe. Food services are also available at the university. The Living room contains settees, dining table and chairs and TV with remote control, multi-channel TV and an incoming telephone service with voicemail is fitted in each house/apt. All rooms include Ethernet connections as well. Each property is also supplied with a Hoover, Iron and Ironing Board. Although linens and towels are not provided, our students have found that it is very easy to purchase them at the shopping center across the street from Gort na Coiribe, and makes luggage much lighter!

Special Note: Dublin Internship - *Additional Programming Option
Students participating in the NUI Galway semester program have the exclusive opportunity to take courses at the National University of Ireland, Galway during the semester and add on a six-week internship in Dublin during the summer months.

8 July – 24 August, 2013
• 7-week program
• Arrival: 8 July
• Orientation activities and on-site interviews (8 July – 12 July)
• 6-week internship component, Monday – Friday (15 July – 23
August)
• Departure from Dublin: 24 August