National University Of Ireland aka: NUI Galway

If you have the opportunity, studying abroad at NUIG has the potential to change your life—not because of its walls, but because of the people who pass within them. Get ready to have friends from Italy, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Saudia Arabia, Botswana…Join the international society, the mountaineering club(which hike the hills of ireland on the weekend), the writers soc(which has murder mystery weekends..complete with victorian dress!). It’s been two years since i attended and I still keep in touch with many a friend from my brief semester.

A good percentage of the students may speak Irish in your presence, but don’t let it get you down. The Irish students are friendly, but not always easy to befriend. So many of NUI Galway’s students come from rural counties and they tend to stick to their own for a sense of safety. Join a soc or two, get involved, and you’ll get to know great people.

The University is great for a walk-through visit, as well, with all styles of architecture and a beautiful walk along the water. And last time I was there, the gardens were still blooming in December!