Education Abroad & Exchange - Ireland

Ireland

Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world, and especially for students whose families claim Irish heritage. The friendliness and hospitality for which Irish people are renowned contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life.

Moving from a predominantly agricultural economy in the 1950's, Ireland is now a thoroughly modern nation with well developed manufacturing and international services sectors, and it has the highest economic growth rate in the E.U. - hence the title 'The Celtic Tiger'. The educated workforce produced in Ireland by the education system has been a key factor in attracting international investment to the country and in the growth of the modern technological industries which have helped make Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The international dimension of education is important in Ireland, and the Irish Government has invested in the internationalization of the education system, both to promote the international activities and linkages of colleges and to encourage students from overseas countries to study in Ireland.

UMA sponsors three exchange programs in the Republic of Ireland: at Trinity College in Dublin, at University College in Cork, and at the University of Limerick. Additionally, UMA has an exchange relationship with the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. The primary exchange in Ulster is with Magee College in Derry, where the focus of the program is Business Studies and Irish Studies. Study in other fields at Magee College or at other campuses of the University of Ulster are also possible.