University of Galway has relaunched its International Affairs Office as Global Galway.

The major project is embedding internationalisation across the University and strengthening international ties, ensuring that students, staff and partners from around the world have the support and resources to succeed.

Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “As we look back on our heritage and the recent anniversary of the first 68 students arriving here 175 years ago, the scale of our growth and ambition internationally is a great cause for celebration. The development of University of Galway is built on the foundation of excellence in research-led teaching and learning and with Global Galway we have created the natural next step to position our community to embrace new opportunities and challenges."

Professor Becky Whay, Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway, said: “Global Galway reflects University of Galway’s ever-growing commitment to students from around the world. Our educational and research partnerships in more than 100 countries reinforces our reputation as a welcoming and diverse university.

“Our approach to internationalisation is about creating more opportunities for our students to study abroad; opportunities for students to come here from around the world; and opportunities for our academics and researchers to work with and learn from collaborations with counterparts in institutions overseas.

“Global Galway is a natural next step for us on these journeys and it better reflects who we are today as a university, one that’s deeply connected with the world around us. While the name is new, our commitment to supporting global students and fostering strong international partnerships is as strong as ever.”

PhD student Natalia Hermida Cepeda said: “Coming from Colombia, a country marked by conflict, Ireland, and especially Galway, has been a beacon of light. The opportunity to study at University of Galway for a PhD in Children’s Studies, which places children totally at the heart of the research, is totally unique. The warmth and willingness of its people to help, along with the sense of security the Irish embody and work to maintain, has truly made us feel at home.”

University of Galway’s Global Galway project has already led to a 50% increase in students from overseas in five years and a 30% increase in study aboard and exchange opportunities for students.

The University has:

• 20,000 students from more than 110 countries
• 4,000+ research collaborations in 178 countries
• Study abroad opportunities in 36 countries with 72 international universities, including the Erasmus programme in 180 universities in 24 European countries
• 2,500 staff – about one fifth of whom came to Galway from overseas
• Membership of the ENLIGHT European University Alliance of 10 research-intensive universities with more than 30 new joint education initiatives

The Global Galway team, along with the office’s support staff across the University, provide services to students, academic and research staff and our partners in areas such as admissions, student integration and global partnerships, as well as placing an emphasis on student success with essential supports to help with careers and employability; industry connections; accommodation advice; social activities.

Ends