The government of Ireland’s renewed focus on student well being is welcomed by Study Group
To Indian students who are bravely travelling sometimes thousands of miles to pursue their education, being sure of a welcome when they arrive is far more than just a nice extra. Stepping into a new country, culture and even language takes courage. You can be sure that you will make a few mistakes along the way. A friendly welcome as you find your way can make all the difference.
In fact, the largest global survey of international student choice of study destination found “the degree to which a place feels welcoming is one of the most important factors influencing prospective students’ choice of a university town or city, with 31% citing it as the most important consideration. Being a welcoming place is ranked above quality of teaching, which 25% choose as their most important consideration.”
Ireland is determined to do just this, and recently announced the creation of a new nationwide student wellbeing group. Chaired by the Union of Students in Ireland, the group will also consider practical challenges such as how student mental health and engagement can be better supported at Irish universities.
According to Dr Mark Cunnington, Chief Operating Officer, UK and Europe, at Study Group:
“The Coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of both international and domestic students so we particularly welcome the Irish government’s drive to enhance student wellbeing. By forming a group dedicated to researching, Irish universities are showing their deep commitment to identifying and implementing new ways to improve higher education welfare provision during and post-pandemic.
“Supporting student mental health is fundamental to empower learners to achieve their academic potential and progress to the university programme of their choice, upon successful completion of their pathway course. There has never been a more crucial time to focus on that, and we are delighted that our Study Group students in Ireland benefit from this approach.”
Teaching and support staff, as well as students, agree that this is important.
As Study Group’s Head of Professional Services, Chantal Ryan, at the University College Dublin International Study Centre (ISC) comments:
“At the University College Dublin ISC, we are very aware that a student’s mental and emotional wellbeing has a major impact of their academic outcomes. For this reason, we have put in place a comprehensive programme of online support through tutorials (group and one-to-one), a wellbeing and mindfulness course, drop-in clinics, and a designated welfare contact service, which enables students to seek advice for any concerns they may have with us directly via email.
“Lockdown has undoubtably been a challenge. Virtual group and one-to-one tutorials are even more important, as is continually reiterating the message that we are here to support students and that they can come to the online drop-in clinics or make a private video appointment with a member of the welfare team. Our student mental health virtual support provision we have in place lets the students know that they are not alone in how they are feeling and that they are seen and actively supported can make all the difference.”
A friendly welcome is more than a smile and a kind word. It takes skill, understanding and care when times are difficult.
According to Daniil Hudov, an international student studying at the University College Dublin ISC:
“The University College Dublin ISC treats students with the upmost care. When I needed some support, I was able to have an online one-to-one session with a trained mental health professional, which helped me a lot.”
