Annual Reports

Annual Report 2008

The energy and optimism with which ICOS started the year was unfortunately replaced in the final months of 2008 with a period of uncertainty and insecurity. This mirrored the climate of the nation as a whole as the country struggled to come to grips with the banking crisis and the worst recession in decades. ICOS has come through the challenge a leaner and more focused organisation.

An evaluation of our strategic plan started at the end of 2008 has reconfirmed that we are providing a valuable service to our members on international student matters and to Irish Aid on the management of the Fellowship Training Programme. Looking back on 2008, we can be proud of our many achievements and the progress achieved in meeting our objectives. Our training output grew substantially suggesting a continuing need and appetite within institutions to invest in staff training in order to be able to deliver a better service to international students. Our annual seminar in June was well attended as it sought to answer some important questions about our current understanding of international education and the challenges and opportunities which face the sector over the coming decade. » More

Annual Report 2007

2007 was a busy and successful year for ICOS with steady progress and achievement under all our objectives. Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the year was ICOS’ international students’ forum, “Diverse Voices”, held in UCC in November and attended by over 130 international and Irish students from higher education institutions across the country. » More

Annual Report 2006

ICOS and its member institutions continued to work in 2006 to create a more favourable environment for international students. The organisation’s operational priorities for the year included: policy work particularly in relation to the rights of legitimate non-EEA students to work in Ireland, both while studying and after graduation; delivery of high quality information and training services to members which would increase cross-cultural awareness and communication skills among staff in HEI’s and administration of aspects of the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme. » More

Annual Report 2005

2005 was a year of change and review in ICOS as the organisation sought to clarify its role and set out its strategic priorities in relation to its key constituencies: international students, its member organisations and the Department of Foreign Affairs for which it administers aspects of the Irish Aid Fellowship Programme and from which it receives over 90% of its funding. » More