“Although it can be daunting and not always easy, studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity. First of all, you are getting a chance that you did not at home. But as well as the academic side of things, there are great opportunities. Moving away gives you unrivalled independence and freedom, the chance to travel cheaply and easily, friends from all over Europe and beyond, the introduction to different cultures, people, languages…
“Each year, the Irish and foreign student body grows and provides great support for each another. Whether it be pointing you in the right direction in school, helping find you accommodation or just for someone to have a few pints with, there is always a community around to lend a helping hand.”
Eoin Ryan, 3rd Year Med Student PJSU
Quality of the education
Of course, this is what it’s all about. Even with all the other advantages below, you need to be sure that, by studying abroad, you will be receiving an education that is of good quality. The universities that we represent, who are recruiting Irish students onto their programmes through English, have excellent reputations and their qualifications are internationally recognised .
The experience
Going to university, whether at home or abroad, isn’t just about studying. By studying in another country, you will have a fantastic opportunity to experience a different culture and lifestyle. I f you are independent-minded, with a sense of adventure and a bit of initiative, studying abroad is a life-changing experience.
Value
The cost of attending many universities can work out as equivalent, or sometimes cheaper, than registering for an equivalent programme at home. In Central Europe, living costs are about half of that in Ireland. In some of the more established EU states, tuition fees are equivalent to, or lower, than in Ireland. For example, there are no fees for Irish students studying in Denmark and, in Holland, fees are just above €1600 pa
Create a Unique Selling Point
In terms of selling yourself to the employment market, a basic undergraduate degree has the same currency as the Leaving Certificate had not so long ago. More and more people have degrees. Studying abroad ensures that you get a unique selling point out of your undergraduate experience, in addition to your parchment. Studying abroad is excellent character formation – it strengthens your independence, initiative and confidence. It will also ensure your CV is unique. In a global employment market, employers are increasingly looking for key personnel with international experience and foreign language skills.
Realistic Entry requirements
Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees, at most of the universities we represent, are currently lower than those being set by Irish and UK universities. This is not a reflection of quality. It is a simply an indicator that, in Ireland, our third-level education system is under pressure, as more and more students chase a small number of places in our universities.
Places are available abroad on courses for which there is high demand in Ireland
Some subjects are so popular that demand for places to study them has reached peak levels, which pushes points levels for entry to unrealistic levels for most of us. There are places available on many of these degrees abroad. They include subjects such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, psychology and pharmacy.
