Donal McAlister

What position do you hold at ITC? What has been your career path so far?

I am the International Affairs Manager of the Institute of Technology, Carlow. I have been working at IT Carlow for 12 years now and enjoy working with students from over 40 countries who follow courses here. In the past I have worked in Customer Services for a Computer firm, Frozen Food Sales & Marketing and as the Marketing Manager for a large Mall in Dublin so it goes to show that opportunities can arise in your career that can take you in unexpected directions.

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Yes, I studied in northern France for a year. It was always my ambition to go abroad, I think I was inspired by having a Spanish mother so I was pre-disposed to looking beyond my borders for opportunities. I can’t emphasise enough the the importance I place on spending some time abroad as a student. It opens up your mind to so many new experiences, cultures and perspectives that is so important for the increasingly globalised economies where many of us live.

What does the future hold for ITC - any exciting new programs to share?

The future of the Institute is very exciting indeed. We are in the process of growing our programs at Undergraduate, Masters and PhD level in all our discipline areas. The Institute is also undergoing a major expansion program with major new building projects both ongoing and in the pipeline. The Institute is in merger discussions at the moment to create a brand new Technological University which will become the biggest Institution of higher learning in the South East of Ireland.

Which study abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?

Actually I think Ireland is underrated as a Study Abroad destination. As we are a small country it is often difficult to get the message out to a wide audience about how good the standard of our education is. On top of that we tick all the boxes as a friendly, safe and relatively inexpensive country in which to study. The student experience in Ireland is often rated as being amongst the best in the world. In terms of being overrated, I would say that wherever a student choses to go will lead to a life enhancing experience often leading to lifelong friendships…so wherever you choose to go, make the most of it!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful study abroad office?

I think that most International Offices tick all the right boxes but fundamentally the student, and their parents, need to know that they can access information and assistance when they need it and that that any guidance that they receive is both timely and accurate. It is very important that students feel welcome into the International Office environment and that there is a genuine interest in their wellbeing and progression.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the ITC team.

I am tremendously proud to be part of the IT Carlow family. I have enjoyed my career here to date and feel that the challenge of promoting both Carlow and Ireland is exciting and motivating. The support that the International office gets from all functions of the college is fantastic and makes the integration of international students much easier. The proudest I feel is when I see our students graduating with their degrees, having successfully completed their studies here.