Living and Study Abroad in Ireland
This study abroad Ireland information is provided by the International Education Board. The Board has representation from all interested sections of Irish education- Universities, Institutes of Technology, Independent Colleges and Language schools as well as from other Government Departments and agencies.
IEBI is actively supported by Enterprise Ireland, Embassies and the Irish Tourist Board(Board Failte) network of offices.
About Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is a small independent nation situated on the West Coast of Europe, with a population of under four million people, over 40 percent of whom are under the age of 25. The Island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland which is administered by the United Kingdom, has a population of five million.
Ireland - a member of the European Union (EU) since 1973 - is a thoroughly modern nation. The economy is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom, particularly in the well developed manufacturing and international services sectors.
For a number of years now the Irish economy has boasted the highest growth rate in the EU and indeed, one of the highest growth rates in the world. Growth in 2000 was estimated at 10.5 percent - hence the much invoked "Celtic Tiger" designation.
The quality of our education system is often highlighted as a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth.
Ireland is beautiful - much of the countryside is still unspoilt providing an excellent natural habitat for a flourishing flora and fauna. Ireland's landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous.
Water sports, hill walking, rock climbing and caving are just a few of the many activities which can be enjoyed when needing a break from study.
Almost 60 percent of Irish people live in urban areas, with 1.2 million living in or around the capital city Dublin which is located on the east coast of the island. Dublin is a young, vibrant and cosmopolitan city where many nationalities are represented.
A large variety of cultural attractions, musical entertainment venues, museums, art galleries, theatres, clubs and restaurants can be enjoyed in Dublin and in Ireland's other major cities; Cork, Waterford, Galway, Limerick and Belfast.
Ireland is easily accessible by both air and sea with excellent services to the United Kingdom, continental Europe and North America.
About IEBI
Established by the Irish government in 1993, the International Education Board's remit is to facilitate and support the development of Ireland as an International education centre.
The Board has representation from all interested sections of Irish education- Universities, Institutes of Technology, Independent Colleges and Language schools as well as from other Government Departments and agencies.
IEBI is actively supported by Enterprise Ireland, Embassies and the Irish Tourist Board (Board Failte) network of offices.
IEBI's mandate includes the following goals and objectives:
- To promote Ireland as a quality destination for students and trainees.
- To promote and support the international activities of Irish education institutions.
- To act as a national point of contact and referral to and from Irish suppliers of education services and the international market place.
- To promote Irish education expertise as a valuable resource for international institutions, development agencies and governments.
- To liaise with education interests and government to identify and remove barriers to the development of the international education sector.
The IEBI responds to numerous first line enquiries from overseas students interested in the study options available in Ireland.
It promotes Irish education overseas via advertising, developing and circulating generic information and by participating at education fairs, seminars and workshops.
