University of Galway Summer: Ecology

The University of Galway’s “Living Landscapes in the West of Ireland” summer program offers students an intensive, field-based experience in the natural environments found in and around Galway.  

County Galway, on Ireland’s Atlantic West Coast is a land of contrasts. 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. From the fertile rocks of the Burren karst limestone, to the raised bogs of the midlands, the sheer cliffs of the Aran Islands to the salt marshes of Galway Bay, there is a wealth of natural history to explore. 

All students enroll in the same class, for which you will earn 5 U.S. semester credit hours. Through a multi-disciplinary approach to studying ecology, you will engage with all aspects of how these ecosystems are created and maintained through natural processes and anthropogenic activity. You will also consider conservation and sustainability issues and how a sound understanding of these ecological processes is used to combat the challenges facing the environment. Review the Living Landscapes in the West of Ireland syllabus.

Students should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for field trips two to three times a week. This may involve short hikes over trails and uneven surfaces. The class is assessed in the form of oral presentations and learning journals.

Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours credit; the equivalent of one subject.

Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.

You must be pursuing a major or minor in one of the following areas of study: ecology, environmental science, geography, botany, zoology, natural history, or natural heritage.

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at the University of Galway:

• More emphasis on independent learning. The university recommends completing ten hours of independent study for each academic credit you seek.
• Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with more junior faculty members. Other resources include course designers (who line up lectures) and module coordinators.
• Academics reflect a similar level of difficulty as in the U.S., but follow a different grading scale. In Ireland, scores of 70% and above are considered “As.” (We’ll review this and give you a chart to refer to during IFSA orientation.)
• Grades are often based only on a single final paper or on a midterm exam and final paper.
• Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources, including assignment to an advisor. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
• You must be pursuing a major or minor in one of the following areas of study: ecology, environmental science, geography, botany, zoology, natural history, or natural heritage. 
• Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.