LYIT had 300 International students studying at the college during this academic year.
Most of the European Erasmus students decided to go back to their home countries when Covid-19 gained momentum in Europe in mid-March.
However, the large majority of our Non-EU students decided to stay in Letterkenny for a number of reasons including quarantine and travel restrictions and cost of flight tickets. As borders closed globally and flights were cancelled the International students preferred to stay and continue their online classes in Letterkenny.
“The international student community in Letterkenny is strong and the students are supporting each other through these challenging times. As with our domestic students their focus is on completing their academic programmes while staying healthy,” Ms Jill Murphy, LYIT International Office, said this week.
“We also had a number of LYIT students in Europe on Erasmus study and placement in March this year. Most of the LYIT Erasmus students also opted to travel back to Ireland under advice from LYIT and the Department of Foreign Affairs,” she added.
LYIT’s growing international student population has changed how the Institute is perceived in the region. Increasingly the Institute is seen as a higher education option that offers a student experience comparable with the feel of a larger university.
“The cultural diversity and enthusiasm that the international students have brought to LYIT in recent years as they grow in confidence and experience has enriched all of our lives. Their contribution to creating global graduates at LYIT is evident both in and out of the classroom with Diwali, Chinese New Year, Festival of Colour, Malaysian street food fayre and Irish Ceili becoming annual events enjoyed by all.
“International students are seven-day students and building a campus experience that meets their requirements was an initial challenge for LYIT. International societies are very dynamic at LYIT and have represented the Institute nationally at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) awards. This marked increase in Institute activity in the evenings and weekends is also having positive benefits for our traditional student population’s campus experience.
“LYIT continues to work together with our International students from all parts of the world and we are very proud of the manner in which they are conducting themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic. We wish to extend our thoughts and best wishes to each of them and their families at this time,” Ms Murphy said.
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