Ireland is well-known for its lively cultural traditions, folklore, hearty cuisine, and warm and welcoming people. From busy cities to rugged, breathtaking landscapes, Ireland has an abundance of adventures to offer any type of explorer.
Galway is a small University city known for its brightly colored cafes and pubs, traditional live Irish music, eclectic street performers, and world-class arts and entertainment. History and modernity unite in this city to create an ideal environment for discovering the essence of Ireland's culture, language, and people.
Galway offers unique host organizations and is a great location for service-learning participants interested in learning more about a variety of areas, including community development, social work, and family and youth services. Given its popularity and limited capacity to host service learners, we recommend applying as soon as you can, especially for summer programs. Whether participating in Service-Learning full-time or serving during your semester abroad, you’re sure to fall in love with Galway’s charm.
Housing Details
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Irish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Galway. Uncovering the uniqueness of your neighborhood in Galway and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
Student Residence
ISA Study + Service-Learning semester students and full-time summer students are typically housed at Gort na Coiribe Student Village, though location may vary depending on availability. These off-campus apartment-style student residences include a shared double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Bed linens are not included for semester and academic-year students but are included for summer students. Free unlimited internet access is available in each bedroom, and laundry facilities are available in the student residence complex.
A $750 refundable security deposit will be charged if you are living in the student residence. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the case of damage to property or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Homestay
Full-time service leaners during the spring and fall semester will live in a homestay. Each homestay has been carefully selected by our resident staff to accommodate participants' specific needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Most students will have their own bedroom. Meals and laundry service are typically not included with Galway host families.
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are solely responsible for researching, reserving, and paying for all fees, deposits, and paying rent directly to the housing facility you choose.
Excursions & Cultural Activities
Optional Excursions (additional fee may apply)
For participants enrolled in a full-time service-learning program, organized ISA excursions are optional and may be available at an additional cost, depending on program dates and length. When possible, we will communicate excursion prices and dates prior to departure.
For participants enrolled in a Study + Service-Learning combo program, excursions are included in the program fee. Excursions include transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast for all overnight excursions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are included in all programs. The ISA resident staff develops unique cultural activities throughout your program to showcase what makes their city special. These custom-designed activities invite you to learn about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Cultural activities may include city tours, museum visits, sporting events, dance classes, cooking lessons, art and cultural festivals, and more.
Please visit the ISA website for a complete list of excursions and cultural activities in Galway.
