Neha, our Indian Ambassador introduces us to the all female team in the WIT International Office and explain why they have been such an important part of her study abroad experience…
L-R: Fiona Purcell: Senior Staff Officer; Cathriona Diggins: International Admissions Administrator; Samantha Richardson: Inward Exchanges Coordinator; Paula Brazil: Outward Mobility & Study Abroad Co-Ordinator; Hellen Kang Griffith: Asia Development Officer; Mary Cronin: International Office Secretary
When you come to Ireland your biggest friend, philosopher and guide is the international office of your college. The International Office here at WIT is responsible for admission, administration and supporting all international students. When it comes to queries involving immigration matters, living and working in Ireland, travel within the EU and life at WIT, students can visit the office and get all their questions sorted. The International Office assists students with information about pathways, further education or obtaining work once they have finished their studies here. The team also help international students by providing them specific documentation and letters such as letters for getting PPS No, opening bank account, re-entry visas, etc.
The Office for International Relations is also responsible for:
- International students’ events, outings, and cultural programmes;
- Erasmus+ programmes with European Union Universities;
- International Exchange programmes with America, Brazilian Canadian, Chinese, Malaysian Universities;
- Study Abroad programme in cooperation with American, Brazilian and Chinese Universities
The induction program organised by the International Office for for all new students at the beginning of each semester makes the transition to studying in Ireland and WIT a more positive and smoother process. This programme is also a lot of fun as it enables new students to meet other students and the Office of International Relations staff. It also gives students the opportunity to learn more about both the academic and social side of campus life.
The Office for International Relations is usually the first port of call for international students who are unsure where to go or who have problems. If the issue can be solved by the office, then the team will do their utmost to help the student. In some situations, the office would not have the expertise to help the student and would, therefore, refer the student to the appropriate office within the Institute.
So in many ways the lovely ladies at the International office are our extended family in Ireland who we can reach out for help and guidance just as we’d do with our senior family members at home . Despite being an international student at WIT I don’t feel I am in a different country too far away from home and all credit goes to this incredible team who are always there for you.
Not to forget it is this team that helps and supports the approved agencies, like the awesome Asia World Education based in Delhi, India who helped me make the transition without any worries. I cannot thank Fiona and the International Office team enough for making me feel totally at home and helping me with all the unending queries that I always have. I am delighted to be a part of WIT and Ireland. Ireland is a great place to be and education system at WIT is an excellent opportunity for a career boost.