New Performance Leads Heighten Irish Universities' Appeal as Compelling Partners for U.S. Universities and Attractive Destination for Internationalized Education

NEW YORK and DUBLIN, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the second event of its "Connecting Continents" campaign, Education Ireland will host a luncheon in New York this week to highlight the exceptional performance gains of Irish universities as outlined in a study report published recently by the European Commission.  The study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending on tertiary education in the European Union.  The report cites several key areas in which Irish universities out-rank their European counterparts.  Among the findings: Irish universities have the highest graduation rate in Europe and graduates of the institutes are regarded as among the most highly employable.  In addition, Ireland has the highest percentage of graduates in Europe and the country's universities were awarded the highest "excellence" rating by European Union academics.  

This week's event in New York will showcase the research findings and outline how the performance gains are boosting partnerships between Irish and U.S. universities, and expanding opportunities for U.S. students seeking an internationalized education experience.  The event will be co-hosted by Enterprise Ireland and brings together representatives from the seven Irish universities that joined forces earlier this year to kick off the "Connecting Continents" campaign.  The initiative aims to boost collaboration between Irish and U.S. institutes of higher learning.  The Irish universities include:  Dublin City University, National University of Ireland Galway, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College, Dublin and the University of Limerick.    

The survey findings confirm the advantages that have long bridged Irish universities with U.S. counterparts in virtually every State.  For the U.S. institutions, the relationships offer a unique portal to Europe, further expanding the reach of their entrepreneurial researchers and often providing international teaching experiences for faculty.  Such strong ties have catalyzed inventive research and pioneering innovations in life sciences, technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and many other areas.  

For decades, the same tradition of academic excellence has drawn tens of thousands of U.S. students to Ireland for their study abroad experience.  In the 2007/2008 academic year, the numbers jumped by 20 percent with Irish universities hosting nearly 6900 U.S. students.  More and more are pursuing full degrees in Ireland not just for cost and quality advantages, but to obtain specialized master degree programs in new areas like Climate Change or Immunology and Global Health.  U.S. Students are also drawn to research-based Ph.D. programs funded by the Irish Government and the European Union, along with other sources.  After China, Ireland is the fastest growing destination for U.S. study abroad students and the ninth most popular destination overall.

About Education Ireland

Education Ireland is dedicated to the development and promotion of Ireland as an international education center of excellence. The Education Ireland brand is managed by Enterprise Ireland, the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of Irish business.  www.educationireland.ie

SOURCE Education Ireland