Chapter 1. Before You Go Abroad
You do NOT need a visa to study in Galway. However, students from outside the E.U. must register with the local Garda National Immigration Bureau in Galway City within 30 days of arrival in Ireland (irrespective of the date stamped on a student's passport by Irish Immigration at the airport upon arrival in Ireland). You will be guided through the process during the orientation in Galway.
When you arrive in Galway, be prepared to present the following:
- Passport
- Acceptance letter from NUIGalway
- NUIG student ID card
- Evidence of health insurance
- Evidence of financial support
- Registration fee of 100 Euros
Please read this section carefully.
1. Passport
All students studying abroad must have a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your planned date of return. If you do not have a passport, you need to get one immediately. You can obtain a passport application at most post offices or online at travel.state.gov, and the process takes approximately 6-8 weeks. If you need a passport in a hurry, you can contact the U.S. Passport Agency nearest you. However, it will cost you a lot of extra money to go through the Passport Agency, so save money and do it now.
Do you have a passport already? Be sure that it is valid for six months beyond the dates of your trip. If not, plan to renew your passport now. You can obtain a renewal application at the post office or at http://travel.state.gov.
Keep a photocopy of your passport and give a copy to your parents/guardian to hold. Also, bring a photocopy with you to Galway, and keep it separate from your passport. If you lose your passport while you are in abroad, contact the U.S. Consulate in Dublin immediately. Bring your photocopy with you; it will make getting a replacement much easier.
2. Acceptance Letter from NUIGalway
Your application to the Galway program will be considered here at Fairfield, and if you're approved to participate, our office will send you an acceptance letter. We then forward your application to NUIG. You can expect to receive a second acceptance letter, this time from NUIG. Be sure to save the NUIG acceptance letter. First, you should complete the acceptance form sent with the letter, and return it to NUIG with a passport-size photo, as requested. Then keep the letter with your passport, as you may need to present it to the immigration official at the airport when you arrive in Ireland.
3. Student ID Card. You will receive this at NUI Galway. Details regarding the issue of the cardwill be provided at the Orientation Program.
4. Evidence of medical insurance providing coverage for hospitalization. The HTH Insurance policy we provide will satisfy this requirement. You will receive it before departure for Ireland.
5. Evidence of Financial Support - this can take the form of an original, notarized letter from your parents confirming that they will support you financially for the period of your stay in Ireland. This letter should show confirmation that the notary has seen evidence that parents have sufficient funding (see Section 4 below for recommended guidelines re sufficient funding)
OR
An original bank statement from your bank account in the U.S. or an original bank statement from a bank account that you have opened in Ireland upon arrival. The statement should show that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself (see Section 4). Please note copies are not acceptable
- Evidence of Sufficient Funds
Residing at a Student Residence - If you can show a receipt from a Student Residence confirming that you have paid for your accommodation in Galway for the semester, then €1,500 is considered sufficient to have in your bank account for the duration of one semester.
Residing other than at a Student Residence - You may chose not to stay in Student Residences housing and live in private rented accommodation where you pay for your accommodation weekly or monthly directly to a landlord. In that case, your bank account should show that you have sufficient funds to pay both rent and cost of living expenses i.e. a total of €3,000 per semester.
The above guidelines also apply in the case of the notarized letter from parents confirming the availability of sufficient funds
6. Registration Fee
A registration fee of €100 is payable to the Galway Garda National Immigration Bureau at registration. Full information on methods of payment will be given to you at the Orientation program in Galway at the beginning of the semester.
Important Note
Immigration registration requirements are subject to change. Up to date regulations will be posted on the International Affairs Office website at www.nuigalway.ie/international
In addition, you should register with the American Embassy so there is a record of your presence in Ireland. This can be very helpful if you need emergency assistance, become ill, or need to be contacted quickly.
Pre-Departure Vaccinations
We suggest that all our participants get a check-up from their primary physician and dentist before leaving for Galway. It is important to be in reasonably good health for your stay in Ireland. No special shots are required for travel in Western Europe. However, an up-to-date tetanus booster and vaccines for meningitis and hepatitis are a good idea at home and abroad. Talk to your doctor.
Medications and Allergies
If you require allergy shots or medication, bring a complete supply with you. Keep your medications in their original bottle just in case the customs office has questions about them. If you cannot bring a full supply of necessary medications with you, it will be necessary to see a doctor in Galway to obtain a new prescription.
If you suffer from severe allergic reactions, we request that you carry a signed copy of the doctor's orders in the event of an emergency. Please make your roommates and friends aware of where you keep this paperwork in order to ensure speedy and proper care. If you have serious food allergies, be especially careful when eating out, especially when traveling to non-English-speaking countries. Learn the name of your "problem" food in the local language, so you can ask.
International Student ID Cards (ISIC)
You are entitled to a free ISIC card as one of the benefits of the Galway Program. ISIC cards provide discounts, additional medical insurance, emergency assistance while traveling, and discounts. Simply contact STA Travel at 877-777-8717 and request your card. Mention that you are a Fairfield students attending the Galway program, and STA will bill us for your card. You'll need a passport-size photo to insert in the card.
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