study abroad in Ireland with IFSA
Galway
, Ireland

University of Galway Summer: Ecology

Program Overview

From the fertile rocks of the Burren karst limestone, to the raised bogs of the midlands, to the sheer cliffs of the Aran Islands, Ireland’s Atlantic West Coast is a stunning place to learn survey skills as you delve into sustainability and conservation.

This is an ideal opportunity for students majoring in ecology, environmental science, geography, botany, zoology, natural history, or natural heritage.

The University of Galway (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe) was previous known as the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: April 1

Minimum GPA

3.00

Credit load

6

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Instruction language

English

Prerequisites

None

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Academics

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 course, for which you will earn 6 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. 

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.

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) 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. 

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

Visa & Residence Permit Requirements

  • A visa is not required for U.S., Canadian, or Australian citizens.
  • A visa may be required if you are a citizen of another country.
  • A resident permit is not required for this program.

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 courses 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.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As a result, we cannot guarantee activities and excursions.

  • Historic City Lane Walking Tour: A local guide takes us from the Spanish Arch through the old city to Eyre Square. Along the way, learn about the medieval roots, dramatic family feuds, and ties of the City of the Tribes, as well as its global political links. It’s a great way to go beyond a tourist’s perspective to understand the history and rich contemporary culture you’ll see throughout these bustling, bohemian lanes.
  • Gaelic Games Experience: Ireland’s national Gaelic games include hurling, Gaelic football, handball, and camogie—ancient sports not widely known outside Ireland. Try them yourself with guidance from local coaches.
  • Gaelic Match at Pearse Stadium: Join loyal local supporters and take in the atmosphere as we walk to the stadium, just outside the city center. Then catch the excitement as you cheer on a Galway football or hurling team.
  • Stand-up Comedy or City Festival: Galway is known for drawing comedians who want to try new material on a discerning audience, and for monthly festivals that often center on food, film, or theater.
  • Day Trip to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey: Hop on the bus to tour of the wilds of Connemara—a must see! Take in the rugged landscape on the way to the west coast’s best scenery. Stop at Kylemore Abbey and gardens for a tour of this majestic, rural castle and Benedictine monastery, built in the early 1920s by Pollacapal Lough. The landscape alone will take your breath away, inspiring you to explore the towns of Clifden and Lenaun again.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

No meal plans are provided. Students will be responsible for purchasing and preparing their own meals in shared kitchens.

Dates and Fees

Term

Term begins

Term ends

Program costs

Application deadline

Summer 2024

Mid-June 2024

Mid-July 2024

$7,095 (estimated)

April 1, 2024

Summer 2024 (Australia Outbound)

Mid-June 2024

Mid-July 2024

$9,575 AUD (estimated)

April 1, 2024

Term

Summer 2024

Term begins

Mid-June 2024

Term ends

Mid-July 2024

Program costs

$7,095 (estimated)

Application deadline

April 1, 2024

Term

Summer 2024 (Australia Outbound)

Term begins

Mid-June 2024

Term ends

Mid-July 2024

Program costs

$9,575 AUD (estimated)

Application deadline

April 1, 2024

Get Started

Kristen Clark

Kristen Clark

Admissions Counselor

Kristen Clark

Kristen Clark

Prearrival Counselor

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