Spotlight on… University of Galway
- Tell us about your group and its role within Ireland’s education landscape.
University of Galway has been part of Ireland’s story since 1845. We’re based on the west coast, right in the heart of Galway city, with a community of more than 19,000 students from over 100 countries. As one of Ireland’s research-led universities, we play a big role in shaping national priorities – from healthcare to sustainability – while also staying rooted in our local community. - What sets your group apart from others?
Place and people. Our campus sits on the edge of the Atlantic, in a city known for creativity and culture. That mix of location and community makes Galway a unique place to live and learn. We’re also proud of how open and collaborative the university is – whether that’s working with industry, connecting with the city, or welcoming students from all over the world. - What makes Ireland such an attractive destination for international students?
Ireland offers the best of both worlds – a globally recognised education system and a welcoming, safe environment. Students know they’ll get a high-quality degree that’s respected internationally, but they also get to experience a country that’s easy to call home. - How do you see the Irish higher education sector evolving over the next five years?
We expect to see closer ties between universities and industry, more emphasis on sustainability, and even stronger international collaboration. Ireland has always punched above its weight in education and research – the next five years will be about making sure that impact is felt globally. - Are there particular markets or student segments you’re looking to grow in the near future?
We are strengthening meaningful partnerships across the globe, fostering collaboration that supports transformational learning and research. Our commitment is to create inclusive opportunities for students and researchers at every level to contribute to a vibrant culture of innovation, discovery, and societal impact. - Outside of work, what’s one thing a visitor to Ireland shouldn’t miss?
A walk on the Salthill Promenade in Galway. On a good day, you can see the Clare hills across the bay – and there’s a local tradition of kicking the wall at the end of the walk for good luck. - What attracted you to take part in The PIE Live Ireland?
It’s a chance to meet colleagues from across the world, share experiences, and spark new collaborations. The event is also a great opportunity to highlight Ireland as a study destination – and for us, to show people why Galway is such a special part of that story. - Which sessions on the agenda are you most looking forward to attending, and why?
University of Galway will contribute to two sessions at the conference: Irish Roadtrip Meets Networking and Peer Insight: TNE Opportunities, Alliances and Offshore Delivery.
Through these engagements, we are particularly focused on fostering dialogue around building sustainable partnerships, exploring innovative approaches to transnational education, and examining future models of offshore delivery. These themes are of strategic importance to the University, and we look forward to exchanging perspectives with peers and sector leaders.
Look out for…
Keep an eye out for Lorna Cuckow, director of internationalisation at the University of Galway, at The PIE Live Ireland.
If you had to sum up your approach to international education in three words, what would they be?
If we had to sum up our approach to international education in three words, they would be global, inclusive, and impactful – reflecting our commitment to connecting the world through partnership, welcoming diverse perspectives, and creating meaningful global impact through education and research.
What’s a typical day like for you at your institution?
There is no such thing as a typical day! My role spans all aspects of global engagement, so my days can include anything from meeting international partners, reviewing data or discussing global initiatives with colleagues across our colleges. A key part of my work is promoting internationalisation across the university, ensuring that a global perspective is embedded in everything we do.
Where will we find you at The PIE Live Ireland?
I’ll be taking part in a range of sessions and networking events at The PIE Live Ireland. I’m speaking at the Irish Roadtrip session, and I’m especially keen to hear more about the growing alignment with industry and the next steps for the TrustEd quality mark. We have a strong team from the University of Galway joining to share insights, explore new collaborations, and strengthen our global partnerships.
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