What It’s Like to Study Sports Coaching and Business Management at SETU

For Nicolas, moving from Canada to Ireland to study Sports Coaching and Business Management (GAA) at SETU was an experience that shaped both his academic and personal life. Now an alumnus, he reflects on his time at South East Technological University (SETU) as welcoming, community-driven, and full of unique opportunities that were not available anywhere else in the world.

He chose SETU because it was the only institution globally offering this specific programme in partnership with the GAA and Leinster GAA. That connection to the sport’s governing body made the course stand out immediately and aligned perfectly with his passion for sport.

Why Choose SETU for Sports Coaching and Business Management

Nicolas explains that the uniqueness of the programme was the main reason he chose SETU. At the time, it was the only course that combined sports coaching, business management, and direct links to the GAA. This provided students with both academic knowledge and real-world sporting insight.

The course allowed him to understand sport from multiple angles, including coaching, management, and governance. This combination helped prepare him for a wide range of future opportunities within the sporting industry.

Student Community and Campus Life at SETU

International Day at SETU brings students from different cultures together.

One of the first things Nicolas noticed after arriving in Carlow was how similar it felt to his hometown in Canada. As a small town, Carlow offered a strong sense of community, which extended naturally into campus life at SETU.

He describes the environment as friendly and welcoming, noting that it did not take long to get to know people. “Everybody felt like family very quickly,” he explains. This close-knit atmosphere made settling in easier and helped him feel at home, even while studying abroad.

What Is It Like Living in Carlow as a Student?

Bird’s-eye view of Carlow, Ireland.

Carlow’s location played a big role in Nicolas’s positive experience. He describes it as an ideal base for exploring Ireland, with easy access to Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford beaches, Tramore, and other popular destinations.

He also highlights Carlow’s hidden gems, such as the aqueduct in Borris, and appreciates that it offers both a relaxed lifestyle and proximity to major tourist spots. For students who enjoy weekend travel and outdoor exploration, he believes Carlow is an excellent choice.

Differences Between Studying in Ireland and Canada

While Nicolas noticed similarities between Irish and Canadian culture, the biggest differences for him were the weather and the seasons. Ireland’s frequent rain stood out, although he notes that winters are fairly similar, with Canada simply experiencing more snow.

Culturally, however, he found Ireland easy to adapt to. English being the main language and the shared sense of humour and friendliness helped make the transition abroad far less intimidating than he had expected.

Playing GAA Sports as an International Student at SETU

Before moving to Ireland, Nicolas played ice hockey in Canada and reached a competitive level. When he arrived at SETU, he transitioned into hurling, one of Ireland’s oldest and fastest sports.

He explains that the hand-eye coordination skills he developed through hockey helped him adapt to hurling more quickly. Representing SETU in hurling became a huge source of pride for him, as did playing for local clubs such as Éire Óg. Being involved in GAA sports also made it much easier for him to meet people and build friendships.

Sporting Achievements at SETU

Nicolas received the Carmel Lynch Award for his contribution to Clubs and Societies.

One of Nicolas’s proudest achievements was becoming the first overseas player to make a Fitzgibbon Cup panel. While he humbly admits he may not have been the best player, being the first to achieve this milestone meant a great deal to him.

This accomplishment symbolised his commitment to the sport and highlighted the opportunities available to international students who are willing to get involved and push themselves.

Making Friends and Finding a Community at SETU

Nicolas found it easy to make friends at SETU, particularly through sports clubs, societies, and his course. Meeting classmates early on helped him settle quickly, and he describes fellow students as friendly and welcoming.

The strong sense of community meant that homesickness never felt overwhelming. Between FaceTime calls home and the openness of people on campus, he always felt supported and surrounded by others.

Advice for International Students Considering SETU

For Canadian and North American students considering studying at SETU, Nicolas’s advice is simple: do it. He believes the transition is far less daunting than it might seem, as many of the small details of life in Ireland feel familiar.

He encourages students not to be afraid of change, explaining that studying abroad broadens horizons and helps you grow as a person. “You’ll be a better person for coming abroad anyway,” he says.

Career Opportunities After Studying Sports Coaching and Business Management

Looking to the future, Nicolas hopes to remain involved in sport in some capacity. His experience at SETU opened his eyes to international opportunities, including roles within sporting organisations, federations, management, coaching, or facility operations.

He credits his degree with providing a strong foundation that allows him to pursue different paths while staying connected to the sporting world. Ultimately, his goal is to help deliver sport to communities and be involved at a higher organisational level.

You can hear more about Nicolas’s experience studying Sports Coaching and Business Management (GAA) at SETU by watching his video interview, where he shares insights on student life, sport, and studying abroad.