Finances

Credit cards are widely used in Ireland. The best known are Visa, MasterCard, and to a lesser extent, American Express. Be prepared to show identification in order to use the card (this rarely happens but you should always have your ID with you anyways!)

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account and to ensure that your PIN will work while you are abroad.  

Have a 4-digit pin number for ATMs. While 6-digit pins are increasingly common in the US, you'll need a 4-digit pin in Ireland! Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for overseas use and that your PIN will work overseas.

 ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard) on them.  There are numerous ATMs in Galway including Bank of Ireland & Ulster Bank, both of which have agreements with certain American Banks (check with your bank rep). The exchange rate for ATM withdrawals is usually the best available since it is the bank’s own bulk rate plus a 1-2 percent charge. Keep in mind that when you change cash abroad at an exchange business, they may have what appear to be low exchange rates, but they frequently also charge a commission

Most cards outside the US have a chip on the front; contact your bank to see if it’s possible to get a card with a chip. MOST PLACES IN IRELAND PREFER THE CHIP (the payment method where you simply tap your card rather than insert or swipe)  There are numerous ATMs in Galway, including Bank of Ireland & Ulster Bank, both of which have agreements with certain American Banks (check with your bank rep).

It is recommended that you carry the phone number of your local bank in case you lose your ATM card. 

The Galway travel credit is $1,050.

Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Students will receive a travel credit on their HC study abroad tuition bill. The amount of credit is a good faith estimate based on an average round trip flight from Boston to Dublin, including any bus/taxi fees once on the ground. The travel credit is NOT a reimbursement. It’s a credit (discount) that gets posted to your Holy Cross tuition bill. The travel credit reduces what you owe to Holy Cross by the amount of the credit. If you have still have a credit on your account AFTER you have paid your tuition and all your financial aid, loans, scholarships etc. have been disbursed, the Bursar's Office will be able to return excess funds upon completion of the "Refund Request Form." The Refund Request Form must be completed and signed by the student. 

We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline.  Students should purchase a flexible flight. Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing.  As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency.  Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

• All students will be charged Holy Cross tuition and the Holy Cross standard room charge. 

• Board/meal plan will not be charged given that there is no meal plan at University of Galway. 

• All students receive a travel credit (discount) that is designed to help subsidize the cost of transportation to the host destination. The credit is a good-faith estimate based on the cost of a round-trip flight from Boston to the host institution/program. This is a one-time credit. We do not account for travel home during the holidays or winter break. Once a student is accepted by their host institution, they will receive an email with the amount of the travel credit. (Be advised-this is not a reimbursement; it is a credit applied to your Holy Cross bill).

• All students will be billed a mandatory $225 fee per semester for Global Security Assistance and international Medical/Travel Insurance provided by International SOS (ISOS) and Cigna Global Health/Lloyd’s Insurance (students will NOT be charged the Health Service fee). This fee is considerably less than the cost of the policy and is subsidized by Holy Cross. 

• If a student is on campus at Holy Cross for one semester, they will be charged the Student Activity Fee. If a student is abroad for the academic year, they will not be charged this fee.​

The determination of financial aid eligibility for studying abroad via a Holy Cross approved program is calculated just as it is for students who are living on campus. Financial aid is based on the standard cost of attendance. The College considers the standard cost of board when determining financial aid awards even if they are not directly billed for it on their student account. Students and/or families who are financing their education with loans should consider the total cost of attendance when determining the amount of loans requested. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies and personal expenses. To review the specific costs, please view the Bursar's Office page on tuition and fees. 

Students who are awarded scholarships from sources external to Holy Cross (for example, a study abroad partner University) must report the scholarship to the Financial Aid Office.  Financial Aid will then determine how the scholarship is applied to the HC bill. Specific questions regarding your financial aid award should be directed to financialaid@holycross.edu.

Students should expect some additional expenses related to studying abroad. The following list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Additionally, students should not expect to have the same amenities abroad as they have at Holy Cross. Each program has different components unique to each location: 

•  REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS 

•  STUDENT VISA/RESIDENCY FEES The Irish Residency Permit costs around $300. Students are responsible for this fee.

•  AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION Students can expect to cover the cost of moving from the airport to University of Galway (Taxi, Uber, Bus available)

•  LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

•  MEALS 

•  BOOKS

•  PERSONAL EXPENSES (including bedding and kitchen supplies)

•  ENTERTAINMENT

•  LAUNDRY

•  PRINTING FEES

•  PACKING EXPENSES or storage fees for personal belongings 

•  COVID-19 TESTING

Here's a helpful guide to average prices in Galway to help you budget!