Maria Beville is a Limerick-native and completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. She holds a Ph.D. in English literature and a postgraduate degree in English language teaching. In 2014, when Limerick was National City of Culture, she co-organized a city-wide festival and curated a number of exhibitions across the city.
What position do you hold at LIT? What has been your career path so far?
I'm International Officer at LIT, having just taken up the post this February. Prior to this, I worked as a lecturer in English Literature and Media studies at both Mary Immaculate College and Aarhus University, Denmark.
During the completion of my Ph.D. and while I worked as a lecturer I maintained a strong international dimension to all my work – attending international conferences, developing research networks with partners abroad, and undertaking study visits to European universities. I’m delighted to take this interest in international travel and networking into my new role and to use my experience to provide support to students who choose to undertake their study abroad experience at LIT.
Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?
Yes! And it was really the foundation for my entire career path to date. As an undergraduate student, in the third year of my degree, I studied at Aarhus University in Denmark, as an Erasmus student. This is where I really developed my love of Gothic literature, having had access to a fantastic array of elective literature and media courses.
It was really a formative experience for me as well. I was only 19 when I traveled there for a semester-long placement, but since then I have spent over six years in Denmark, living, studying, and working. I have close friends there still and have developed a love of the language and culture of Denmark, which as a 19-year-old, was a country that I knew hardly anything about.
When I chose Denmark, I wanted my study abroad experience to be an experience through which I could learn as much as possible. I loved the idea of going to a place that I knew very little about and also of being in mainland Europe where I could have many opportunities to visit other European cities and to make the most of my time away.
And I certainly did that. I have so many great memories of the traveling that I did while on Erasmus with the new friends that I made – many of whom I am still in contact with today.
What does the future hold for LIT - any exciting new programs to share?
LIT is on an exciting path toward internationalization at the moment and has a really forward-thinking and global vision. It has engaged in a number of prestigious international research partnerships and study exchange agreements which will allow more students and researchers to visit LIT and to undertake international study than ever before.
There has been a significant increase in activity in our International Office in recent years and we expect this increase to continue as ‘study abroad’ becomes more popular and more accessible. We continue to adapt to accommodate new numbers of students and researchers and to broaden our cultural programmes for incoming students as well.
Experience of international study and work placement is a huge boost to a student’s profile when they go out after graduation into the workplace. We will be working to develop support in this area over the next few years.
Of course, LIT is physically in a process of largescale development, too and is set for a major transformation by 2030 with the development of a new campus in Limerick and the expansion of its existing Tipperary campuses. This is going to include a new City Centre fashion incubator, new and improved student accommodation, and further investment in our sports facilities.
What unique qualities does your university possess?
LIT offers a fantastic learning environment for its students from Ireland and from abroad. Its core philosophy of 'active learning' is manifested through a wide range of campus activities. Known for its hospitality and friendliness, it offers flexible academic provision and a wide range of student supports. The Institute has an active social life with many student societies organizing events year round.
Our International Office is immensely dedicated to those who require its services and provides carefully designed orientation and induction programmes to international students. It also offers support and assistance in all practical matters for international students, including help with visa requirements, accommodation, transport, etc.
I have worked at and visited a large number of different universities internationally over the course of my career to date and I can say that the team at our International Office are really unique in terms of the welcome, and the support that we provide. Students can drop into the Office for assistance with any matter and someone is always ready to offer help and advice.
LIT is within walking distance of Limerick city center which is a small historic city on the river Shannon. With a large and growing student population, it is a vibrant city that is easy to get around, with every necessity available within walking distance.
Apart from this it is a city constantly buzzing with cultural activity, from concerts and live music, to street art, to theatre and dance performances; there is always something to do in the city. And this is sure to come into sharp focus as the city moves closer in its bid to be European City of Culture 2020.
