National University of Ireland Galway Direct Enrollment

Academic Program

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

• 12-15 hours per semester

Students who choose to study abroad with API at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI, Galway) choose from a range of undergraduate courses as offered in the Faculties of Arts (humanities), Commerce (business), Engineering, and Science. Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture styles, and grades are based predominantly on one final exam.

CREDIT INFORMATION

The National University of Ireland, Galway awards credit based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Semester courses at the university are usually awarded 5, 6 or 10 ECTS credits. Universities in the U.S. typically award .5 credit hour for every 1 ECTS credit. For example, a course worth 5 ECTS would transfer to the U.S. as 2.5 semester credit hours. It is very important that students planning on studying in Galway discuss the transfer of credits with an advisor at their home university – some universities have different standards for transferring ECTS credits. Based on the ECTS credits awarded per course, students usually take 5-6 classes in order to receive 12- 15 credit hours per semester. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are enrolled in the required amount of semester credits to meet requirements of the home university. In all faculties, entrance to specific courses is subject to the approval of NUI, Galway and the completion of certain prerequisites. Courses offered on a year-long basis can only be taken by students visiting for the full academic year.

SERVICE LEARNING/VOLUNTEER OPTION

NUI Galway has introduced a Service Learning module designed specifically for study abroad students. This semester long, credit-bearing course, ‘Service Learning – Literacy Project for Study Abroad Students’, teachesstudents about literacy, reading awareness and reading strategies and involves working on a one-to-one basis with elementary and high school students in homework clubs based in Galway.

Visiting Students who do not get the opportunity to participate in this course can volunteer their services through the University’s ALIVE program (A Learning Initiative and the Volunteering Experience). Contact API for more information on these opportunities.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students receive their transcript from the National University of Ireland, Galway upon completion of their program.

What’s Included

PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES

• Advising
• @api Online System
• Orientation Materials and Resources
• Mobile Phone
• Peer Mentors
• Social Networking
• Scholarships

ON-SITE SERVICES

• Airport Reception
• Resident Director
• On-Site Orientation
• Housing
• Tuition
• Medical & Life Insurance
• Excursions (overnight, day, international)
• Social & Cultural Activities
• Volunteer Opportunities

RE-ENTRY SERVICES

• Re-Entry Materials & Support
• Post-Program Evaluation
• Transcript
• Alumni Network & Professional Development Opportunities

Study Abroad Reviews