For Nolan Heffelfinger, a junior Communications major with an Irish Studies minor at Fairfield University, studying abroad in Ireland has been an adventure in heritage, independence, and cultural discovery. Though he has Irish roots, Nolan had never visited Ireland before joining the University of Galway program. Now, he is deeply connected to the culture, the community, and his studies in a way he never imagined.
Nolan has immersed himself in Irish culture, both in and out of the classroom. As the president of the Irish Club on campus, he has brought together Galway locals and fellow international students, making the club a space for cultural exchange and engagement. Nolan has also been taking several Irish Studies courses, including archaeology, which provided the opportunity to visit historical excavation sites. “I went to a big mountain in Ireland and participated in an excavation, seeing ruins up close. It's not something I could ever experience at Fairfield,” he explains.
Outside of academics, Nolan has embraced the local lifestyle in Galway. He’s found the cost of living to be surprisingly affordable, noting that he can get groceries for under 50 euros a week. He’s also noticed the strong sense of community in Galway—people know each other at the pubs, and there's a feeling of camaraderie everywhere he goes. Live music fills the pubs every night, creating an inviting atmosphere for both socializing and even studying.
Nolan has also joined a local hurling team, a sport he's been passionate about for years, having played with a team in Hartford for 4-5 years. Joining a team just 20 minutes from the University of Galway has allowed him to connect with local players and fellow students, adding a unique layer to his experience abroad. “The hurling has been a special experience—there are lots of clubs, and everyone is passionate,” he shares.
Adjusting to life in Galway has come with new responsibilities and opportunities for growth. Living in a six-person apartment with other Fairfield students and international roommates, Nolan has become more independent, particularly in cooking, budgeting, and advocating for himself through the university registration process. The classes in Galway have been different from what he’s used to—larger class sizes, shorter lectures, and a less structured format, which has encouraged him to adapt and learn in new ways.
Of course, studying abroad is not just about academics. Nolan has enjoyed experiencing local cuisine, from fresh seafood and hearty pub favorites like fish and chips and shepherd's pie to Supermac’s—what he describes as a “McDonald's knock-off.” He’s also had the chance to travel beyond Ireland, visiting Cork, Paris, and London, further broadening his perspective.
The cultural experiences in Galway have been memorable, from participating in the local Halloween festivities, complete with parades and traditional music, to witnessing the lively pub culture—people gathering as early as 9 or 10 in the morning outside pubs. “Halloween is taken very seriously here,” Nolan says, recalling the parades and festive atmosphere.
For Nolan, the experience has also been eye-opening in terms of how people view American culture. “Every Uber driver asks about the elections—they’re curious about American politics,” he mentions. It’s these small, everyday interactions that have made his time in Galway both surprising and enriching.
Nolan describes Ireland as a beautiful country, even if it rains a lot. “When it’s nice out, there’s no more beautiful place,” he says. From the warm and welcoming community to the stunning landscapes, Nolan’s study abroad journey in Galway has been about discovering his heritage, making new connections, and gaining a broader perspective on the world. He encourages anyone considering studying abroad to take the leap, embrace the unfamiliar, and enjoy every opportunity along the way.
