IFUT reacts to HEA statement on overseas students
The announcement by the HEA that there are now students from 139 countries studying here only serves to illustrate the diversity of educational, social and cultural challenges faced by third-level institutions and staff in assisting these students to adapt and gain from their time here, Mike Jennings, IFUT General Secretary, has said.
“It is immensely frustrating that neither the HEA nor the Minister for Education seem to have any idea of the extra time and commitment needed from higher education staff to try to assist overseas students and to ensure they get the full benefit from their time in Ireland.
“The fact that Irish universities, with 50% pro-rata funding compared to their counterparts in the UK, can attract such a number and diversity of overseas students is remarkable. However, the question must be asked: ‘How are these fully fee paying students not to be short-changed by a higher education system starved of funds, staff and resources?’”, Mr Jennings said.
The IFUT Press Release is available in full here.