University of Galway Summer: Irish Studies

Explore available classes in the Irish Studies summer school in the University of Galway summer catalog. Click the plus sign next to Course Modules to expand the list. Take two classes from this list.

Summer classes may include:

• The Archaeological Heritage of Ireland – from the First Settlers to Medieval Castles. Two trips to Burren included.
• Creative Writing: Poetry and Fiction and Memoir. Participation in Galway literary events included.
• Economic Policy in Ireland. Trip to Dublin to meet key policy advisors and analysts included.
• Gaelic Culture and Literature: From Cú Chulainn to the Cultural Revival and Beyond. Cultural trip to Galway museum included.
• Introduction to Art in Ireland: Exploring Ireland’s Vibrant Artistic Heritage from Prehistory to the “Golden Age” of the 8th Century AD. Trip to Dublin to the National Museum and Book of Kells included.
• Irish History: Conflict, Identity and the Shaping of Modern Ireland. Off-campus debate in historic venue included.
• Irish Language Classes
• Irish Society: Stasis and Change in the Ambiguous Republic. Cultural walking tour of Galway included.
• Irish Traditional Music and Dance
• Representing Ireland – Literature and Film. Visits to literary and historical sites in County Clare and South Galway included.

IFSA requires students to enroll in a full-course load at the host institution, which is two classes for the summer. You will receive 3 U.S. credits for each class for a total of 6 U.S. credits.

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 per class; the equivalent of two subjects.

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.

Only classes listed in the Irish Studies summer program are available.

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 two (2) semesters or (1) academic year of full-time college study prior to the application deadline.
• 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.