June Minister celebrates University of Galway international partnerships in Washington DC

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins T.D. joined a special reception in Washington DC to celebrate University of Galway’s network of higher education institution partnerships in North America.

The reception was part of the annual NAFSA conference, the largest annual international education conference in the US, which drew close to 10,000 delegates. 

University of Galway used the occasion to recognise its closest and most enduring US and international partnerships, as well as a number of new collaborations that it is working with.

The attendance of and contributions by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and Education in Ireland were also acknowledged at the NAFSA conference.

At the event, Minister Collins spoke about the core values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability at University of Galway. “These values are the DNA of University of Galway and form the foundation for students to grow good citizenship, independent critical thinking, and capacity to make positive contributions to both society and economy.

“Partners of University of Galway are not only securing a quality education for their students, but they are also being exposed to a set of values which are common between our countries.”

Dr Andrew Flaus, Vice-Dean for Internationalisation in Science and Engineering, underlined this message, emphasizing: “Galway's shared values with partners has led to a longevity and creativity in partnerships and to rich interactions for both visiting and Galway students and colleagues.”

Nuala McGuinn, Director of Summer Schools at University of Galway, explained how the University is keen to be responsive to its partners: “We are offering a wide variety of ways of working together, ranging from faculty-led hosting and joint conferences, to semester-long Study Abroad programmes. These are all infused by the core values of University and showcase the distinctive and special place that is our city and region.”

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