SMART SKILLS
Immense choices in Ireland
Usha Albuquerque

Globalisation has caught up with education in a big way. In today's fiercely competitive environment, students are shopping around for the best education money can buy. And if it's not available in India, they are ready to pack their bags and shop elsewhere. While the USA is often the first choice, given the high costs and the visa restrictions after 9/11, several other English-speaking countries are proving to be viable alternatives.

Ramanjit Singh always dreamt of studying computer engineering in the US and then working in a big IT company there. So, he was shattered when he did not get the visa. But today, Ramanjit is doing a six-month industrial placement with a software company while doing the third year of an electronics engineering course in Ireland.

Sahil Chaudhury graduated in B.Com from Jalandhar. A chance meeting with a friend opened his mind to the possibility of studying in Ireland. Today, he is working in a five-star hotel, after having completed hotel management at the Shannon College of Hotel Management, in Ireland.

The tiny island of Ireland is a relative newcomer in this arena, though not new to education. Ireland is fast emerging as a popular destination for Indian students. It offers internationally recognised degrees in the English language, has excellent education facilities and maintains close links with industry so job opportunities are favorable.

A major plus point is the cost of its academic programmes. Tuition fees for international students in Ireland vary from Euro 7,000 — 15,000 while living costs work out to around Euro 4,000 — 5000, amounting to a total of around Rs 6 to 10 lakh a year. Great value for money.

While cost is a major consideration, the admission procedures for Irish institutions are also less complicated. Students from the CBSE, ICSE and some state boards can apply directly for admission. There are no requirements for SAT or GRE test scores. Though students may need to submit their TOEFL or IELTS examination scores, or take a foundation course, during which they can practise English while starting work in their particular discipline.

Most universities and polytechnics in Ireland offer both degree and professional diploma courses. These range from 1-2 years for the certificate and diploma programmes to 3-4 years for the degree courses. This enables students to leave or join the programme at the level that best suits them.

There are seven universities and 18 Institutes of Technology with strong links to industry where courses are practical, technologically up-to-date and relevant to work needs. The qualifications, however, are recognised internationally.

Ireland is, in fact, at the forefront of the information technology revolution with a 20-year lead over India. Almost 100 MNCs, including Microsoft, Dell, Oracle and IBM, have set up both hardware and software facilities in Ireland, utilising professionals trained from the universities and institutes of technology in the country. Not surprising that standards and facilities for electronics, computing and information technology are extremely high.

With most courses, including 3-9 months of industrial placement as part of the course structure, students benefit greatly from exposure to a global work scenario. Moreover, if students get a job in Ireland after completing their course, they can apply for a work permit and stay on. This is a major incentive for study in this verdantly green and clean country. And with a current shortage of almost 20,000 IT professionals in Ireland, getting a job may not be that difficult.

Dublin, the capital, is a vibrant city with its nightlife, museums, theatre, and sporting facilities. Some of Ireland's finest educational institutions are housed in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592, but at the forefront of international research and teaching. University College, also in Dublin, is the largest university in Ireland offering a range of programmes of international standard. Acknowledged in the area of Business Studies, Engineering and IT, UCD is the 7th highest rated business school in Europe.

The Dublin Institute of Technology with its focus on electronics, business and media studies provides state-of-the art computerised facilities with floating floors, and an extensive library. Private colleges too, tend to concentrate on application-oriented courses. The Griffith College in Dublin with its radio broadcasting studios, electronic labs and design studios provides students a real feel for the working environment. Ashfield College offers a wide range of programmes, including a much sought-after diploma in hospitality management.

Biotechnology and Food technology are other areas of strengths in Ireland. Several institutes offer excellent courses in biotechnology, foods sciences and environmental sciences, which have already attracted a number of Indian students. Acknowledged as one of the premier research institutes in Ireland, University College Cork offers courses in biosciences, electronics, and law, among others. The Waterford Institute of technology barely an hour away has some excellent IT and engineering programmes.

Another strong research-based institute is the University of Limerick, on the west coast. According to Rashmi Sawhney, currently working on a Ph.D in Media Studies, Limerick has an excellent environment for research, for which funding comes from the EU, state agencies and some private corporations.

Also focussing on technology is the Athalone Institute of Technology (AIT) placed as it is around pharmaceutical industries just north of Dublin.

The academic year in Ireland begins in late September and extends up to June, when they have their long summer vacation. All universities operate a semester system with two semesters each year.

For more information you can check out — www.education ireland.ie or the respective institutions.