Irish Government Officials and Higher Education Representatives Mark International Education Week With Events Across the US for College Counselors, Study-Abroad Advisors, Faculty and Students

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Nov 14, 2011) - This week at events across the US to mark International Education Week, senior Irish Government officials and representatives from Ireland's institutes of higher education will provide a comprehensive overview on the attributes that make Ireland a Top-10 study-abroad location for US college students. In New York, Boston, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco, college counselors, study-abroad advisors, faculty members and students will learn why more than 7,000 US students selected Ireland last year for their college studies. They'll also hear first-hand experiences from participants in the newly launched US Student Ambassador Program.

The Education in Ireland events are part of a broad initiative by the Irish Government to raise the number of full-time US students at Irish universities and colleges by 50 percent in the next three years. They began with a special welcome message from His Excellency Michael Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States. They precede the first annual Education in Ireland tour for US college counselors which will take place next March.

The globalization of higher education is a cornerstone of Ireland's strategy to help shape future-generation international leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and thinkers. In virtually every field, Ireland's universities and colleges stand out internationally. From STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] disciplines to liberal and performing arts, Ireland consistently produces career-ready graduates -- skilled knowledge workers that continue to inspire international companies to make Ireland their EU hub. The strategy is drawing substantial numbers of foreign students. Many come for their semester-abroad experience. But a growing number are choosing Ireland for full-time degrees. Boosting the numbers is a top priority.

"Over the years, many talented US students have benefited from a unique educational experience at Irish institutes of higher learning," said Michelle Dervan, USA Manager for Education in Ireland. "And while some have strong family links to the country, the typical US student in Ireland is a global, career-minded individual seeking a high-quality and affordable college experience. These students add much to the vibrant education scene that makes Ireland a preferred study-abroad location for ambitious kids across the world."

The week's events include the following:
New York: Launch of Education in Ireland's US Student Ambassador Program at the Consulate General of Ireland.
San Francisco: Event for students at St. Mary's College in Moraga hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland.
Washington DC: Mitchell Scholarship Program Awards Reception at the Embassy of Ireland. The Program honors former US Senator George Mitchell's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study.
Atlanta & Boston: Receptions celebrating education links between Ireland and the US hosted respectively by the Consulate General of Ireland in Boston and the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta.
Charlotte: Address at the WorldQuest High Schools Competition by Paul Gleeson, Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta.
Chicago: High School Essay Contest Winner Announcement at the Consulate General of Ireland. Contestants in grades 9-12 were invited to address the topic: "Ireland is a country renowned worldwide for its inspiring writers, musicians and artists. In 1000 words or less, explain what inspires you most in life..."

About Education in Ireland
To learn more about Education in Ireland's outreach to US high schools and universities, please visit www.educationinireland.com