ICOS Newsletter - Issue 27 (December 2009)

============================================

Sections:

• International Education News
• Policy and Practice
• Services to Members
• Services to International Students
• Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme
• Organisational Matters

============================================

International Education News

International Student contribution recognised at Mansion House reception

But Lord Mayor of Dublin criticises 'blocking' effect of government policy

Students from countries including China, India, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States and Zimbabwe attended a welcome reception at the Mansion House this month. The gathering was an initiative taken through the Lord Mayor of Dublin's International Student Scholarship and the Dublin Regional Higher Education Alliance.

Lord Mayor Emer Costello thanked them for having made Dublin their city of choice and reminded them that they are now citizens of Dublin. In her address to over 100 students attending, she stressed that "the importance of international students to our future cannot be overstated."

"Economically you will provide much of the talent, ideas and opportunities which will develop our economy. Culturally and socially we have much to learn from you, and in that learning we can ensure that our society becomes more global in colour and understanding, more tolerant of diversity in all its forms and more open to the richness of the world."

However, the Lord Mayor also criticised government immigration policy as blocking international students from coming to Ireland and contributing to the economy.

She said the Government rejected almost 40 per cent of applications from Chinese students and nearly half of applications from Turkish students who wanted to study at Irish third-level institutions, even when they had been accepted for entry to courses. Britain, in contrast, accepted 95 per cent of applications from Chinese students and 90 per cent of Turkish students, she said.

"While vigilance at our borders and entry points is essential, we should be able to develop a rational way of welcoming international students who have been accepted for entry into university and higher education courses."

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/labourparty/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Licensing of Private Colleges

Responding to a Dáil written question on the regulation and licensing of private colleges, the Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe, replied that his department "does not regulate the provision of private colleges [and] in the context of a lifelong approach to learning, it would not be feasible to confine all provision of education and training to providers which are nationally accredited."

However, he went on to confirm that he will "be providing for the introduction of a Code of Practice for colleges providing education and training to international students and an associated Quality Mark for those who can demonstrate compliance. This will be provided for in legislation being prepared to amalgamate NQAI, HETAC and FETAC and the amalgamated agency will be responsible for adopting the Code of Practice and monitoring compliance."

ICOS welcomes this move, building on the work of the Irish Higher Education Quality Network, as both the Quality Mark and licensing system will help to prevent rogue institutions from operating.

============================================

Policy and Practice

Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment:

Workshop: Promoting Dublin as an International Student City

The Lord Mayor for Dublin Cllr. Emer Costello has established a Commission on Employment to examine ways to promote economic renewal and employment growth in Dublin City in these challenging times. As part of this work the Commission has arranged two workshops, the first of which is entitled 'Promoting Dublin as an International Student City'

It will be held on Monday 18th January 2010 ; 9.30a.m - 12.30p.m, Wood Quay Venue, Dublin Civic Offices.

A background paper for the workshop is available for download. There will be a chaired panel discussion, including Sheila Power of ICOS, and participation from the audience.

Places are limited so if you are interested in attending, please contact Ailish in the Lord Mayor's office on (01) 222 6200 or lordmayor@dublincity.ie

Report from Immigrant Information Network meeting with GNIB/INIS

Earlier this month, staff from ICOS and other members of the Immigrant Information Network met with representatives from the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to discuss immigration issues. The meetings provided a useful opportunity for ICOS to seek clarification on student immigration affairs.

Representatives of member organisations can access a report in the members' area of our website. If you require assistance with username and/or password information please contact Dave Moore - dmoore [at] icosirl.ie

============================================

Services to Members

Cross-cultural training programmes

Louise Staunton delivered three intercultural awareness training sessions earlier this month.

The first two events took place in IADT and the third event, which was open to all ICOS members, was held in the Catherine McAuley Centre in Dublin.

If you are interested in training for the New Year, please contact Louise Staunton, Programme Manager and Trainer, ICOS, on (01) 231 5326 or lstaunton@icosirl.ie

Conferences/Events

Recruiting and supporting international students forum

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is supporting a two day event on 20 and 21 January on 'Building an international brand and reputation' and 'Meeting international student expectations'. » More

UKCISA Conference - call for proposals reminder

UKCISA are seeking proposals for their annual conference (12-14 July 2010). Particular topics they would like to be covered include dealing with crises; volunteering, mentoring and buddying schemes; orientation and re-orientation. However, any other relevant proposals will be equally welcome.

============================================

Services to International Students

GNIB Opening Hours

Please be advised that the Garda National Immigration Bureau Registration Office will be closed to the public from 5pm on the December 24, 2009 and will reopen on 8am on Monday January 4, 2010.

============================================

Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

ICOS Christmas Party

The annual ICOS Christmas party for Study Fellows, which took place on Tuesday December 15 in the ICOS Office, was well attended by students, members and supporters of ICOS. Attendees enjoyed some excellent African cuisine and were treated to some live musical entertainment.

============================================

Organisational Matters

2008 Annual Report published - available online

In the interests of our budget and the environment, ICOS has published and circulated a limited number of hard copies of its latest Annual Report.

It is also available for download in PDF format from the ICOS website.

Executive Meeting / AGM dates

The final Executive Committee meeting of the year took place on December 10.

The first meeting for 2010 is scheduled to take place on Thursday 11 February while the AGM has been set for Thursday 10 June.

We take this opportunity to thank all our members for their on-going support and we look forward to a successful 2010.