Knowledge and Learning Theme Week
12-18 December is Knowledge and Learning Week at Expo. Ireland is one of the most globalised countries in the world. We understand that as an open, trading economy, our future prosperity depends fundamentally on our international connectivity and competitiveness. The Irish education system plays a key role in forging crucial global relationships and building international outlook and awareness.
In Ireland, we consider the internationalisation of education as a comprehensive approach to education that prepares students from home and abroad, academics and staff, to be active and engaged participants in an interconnected global world. Ireland’s worldwide reputation for high quality education is built upon a commitment to excellence. Our people are renowned for attributes such as innovation, creativity and collaboration. We are an English-speaking member of the European Union, and have extensive global links through our worldwide diaspora and alumni. Our education system has a long history of international engagement and is globally respected.
In recent decades, our focus on education and innovation has driven the growth of our knowledge economy, producing graduates that are suited to today’s technology intensive industries. Irish universities are in the top 1% of research institutions in the world in terms of research impact in 19 fields, spanning natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. This creates a unique opportunity for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level to join research programmes that are driving innovation and changing lives worldwide.
In Ireland, we realise that we cannot stand still, that we need to embrace the changes that come with living in a rapidly changing world, a world which is becoming more and more globalised, diversified and economically, technologically and environmentally inter-connected. We also realise that in order to become an active and important part of tomorrow’s citizenship, today’s students must understand and master diversity, learn how to cooperate with others whether they be local, national or international, and open their minds to the innovation and versatility which comes from inter-cultural and international experiences. We look forward to contributing to this conversation at Expo during Knowledge and Learning Week.