Ireland added to study abroad options at Selkirk College

Selkirk students looking to experience international study will soon be able to set their sights on Ireland.

Selkirk College President Angus Graeme (right) and International Academic Pathways Officer Cyril Gavaghan of the Institute of Technology Tralee signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this summer that will build towards a partnership to provide more international study options for local students. — Photo courtesy Selkirk College

Students looking to use their post-secondary start at Selkirk College as a springboard to international study experiences will soon be able to set sights on Ireland.

Earlier this summer, Selkirk College and Ireland’s Institute of Technology Tralee inked a memorandum of understanding that will see the two schools build a partnership aimed at academic exchanges for students and faculty, articulation of like programs, degree completion opportunities, and other joint projects.

Selkirk College President Angus Graeme signed the document with International Academic Pathways Officer Cyril Gavaghan of the Institute of Technology Tralee who was in the West Kootenay as part of a wider tour of British Columbia.

"Although relatively few Canadian students opt for a study abroad experience, they are increasingly aware of the benefits of studying abroad for a semester or longer,” says Danny Beatty, Selkirk College’s manager of International Education & Development. “Along with study abroad opportunities in Asia, South America and other European countries, we will now have an option for students to complete their bachelor's degree in Ireland after completing a two-year credential at Selkirk College."

A Great Fit in Ireland with Tralee

Tralee is a town in south-west Ireland with a population of just under 24,000. The Institute of Technology has an enrolment of 3,500 students who study in areas such as business, hospitality and tourism, engineering, computing, nursing and social sciences.

“The size of the community, the student enrolment at the institution and the academic offerings are similar to Selkirk College, so it’s a good fit for our students,” says Beatty. “They have a strong international presence and share many of the same core values as we do.”

Some of the benefits of the Ireland partnership is no language barrier, competitive tuition/accommodation package, qualification alignment, and access to work placements in Ireland and across the European Union.

Selkirk College currently has international partnerships with schools in Argentina, Australia, France, Guatemala, Japan, the Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, Chile and Switzerland.

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