This year saw the arrival of students from literally every corner of the globe and this was well demonstrated by the various languages which were spoken amongst the diverse student groups present on the day.
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) officially welcomed 200 new international students from over 30 countries around the world at International Student Induction and Orientation last week.
This year saw the arrival of students from literally every corner of the globe and this was well demonstrated by the various languages which were spoken amongst the diverse student groups present on the day. Some of the best represented countries were China, Saudi Arabia, France, India, Spain, Pakistan, Canada, U.S.A, Oman, Brazil and Germany.
Sinead Day, International Affairs Manager said, “The number and diversity of students starting at SETU this year demonstrates the Institute’s dedication to facilitating the Erasmus scheme and Non-EU exchanges. These schemes give as many international students as possible the opportunity to study in Ireland, while at the same time forming valuable international ambassadors for Ireland after they return to their respective countries.
All students were addressed by the International Office team, including Sinead Day, International Affairs Manager, Don O’Neill and John Joe O’Farrell who was the MC for the Day. They were also addressed by SETU support staff including Brian Staunton, President of the Students Union, Anne-Marie Frampton, Student Affairs Manager, Robin Croke, Clubs & Societies and Helen Daly from the SETU Card Office.
Students’ Union had a special prize for the first group to sing their national anthem out loud and a group of French Erasmus students won singing, La Marseillaise. The prize was a free trip around Ireland which was provided courtesy of Students’ Union.
At the official reception they were welcomed to Waterford and SETU by Deputy Mayor, Counsellor Jack Walsh and SETU President Dr. Ruaidhrí Neavyn. Both speakers encouraged students to enjoy their time at SETU and to engage with the city and the college to allow them utilise this learning and personal development journey that they are about to embark upon.
Counsellor Walsh also noted that International Students have some inherently different needs to domestic students and asked students to please engage with the international office and the various support functions across the institute. He said, “We want all students to enjoy their time here, while at the same time ensuring their safety and over all well-being.”
Sinead Day described the day as a great success for all involved, “We would like to pay a particular thank you to all our helpers and buddies, who kindly gave up their time to ensure our international students had the warm welcome they deserved. Special thanks also goes to Students’ Union who helped significantly throughout the week making all international students feel at home. Finally, we would like to thank all our speakers. The students found the presentations very informative.”
Orientation week continued Thursday night with the informal international student welcome party in the Dome Bar. There was some Traditional Irish music to start the night, followed by soft rock music by John Joe O’Farrell from the International Office. Traditional Irish Dancers performed later in the evening and the night was wrapped up with a DJ.