The International Internship Conference in Dublin was one of June’s professional highlights for EdOdyssey Founder & President, Peter McGovern, who attended as a panelist at the employability plenary.

It was also a personal highlight.

“As an international conference, this was an exciting opportunity for me to return to Ireland,” Peter said. “My family roots all trace back to Ireland. Despite how much I travel, there was something special for me about exploring and being immersed in culture and identity of this country.”  

Facilitated by Dr. Maureen Manning from The PIE—and well-attended by an engaged audience—the topic of the employability plenary was “Cultivating Global Professionals: Exploring Key Factors in Post-Graduation Employability.”

Alongside Peter, Thomas Kelley (Cleveland State Global) and Karima Ramji (University of Victoria) shared their thoughts and expertise on the complex world of employability in our globalized world. Specifically, they looked at some of the ways in which internships, study abroad programs, and internationalization on home campuses play a role in shaping graduates into globally competitive professionals.

IIC DUBLIN: EARLY TRAVEL

One key discussion point of the employability plenary was how valuable early travel exposure can be.

Just as we lay the foundation for writing with spelling and reading, early travel experiences teach students to identify cultural differences, appreciate languages, and—through true immersion in diverse cultures—build the confidence and maturity necessary to navigate our interconnected world.

Travel also contributes to skill-building in essential areas for future employability, such as problem-solving, creativity, and analytical thinking.

In a globalized world of shared cultures and languages, there exists every reason to start a conversation. Travel, global perspectives, and cross-cultural dialogues are no longer a good idea, but critical.

IIC DUBLIN: FUTURE TRENDS

The panelists took some time to look ahead, to reflect on the future trends they could see in the landscape of international experiences and employability.

Some predictions to consider?

• EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. Schools will continue to invest in experiential learning, especially with cross-cultural or global tenants like international semesters, domestic travel, and custom faculty-led experiences both in the US and abroad.

• FYE. First-year experiences will continue to play an important role in fostering professional and cultural competence by supporting students in their learning, academic exploration, community-building, and transition from secondary to higher education.

• NETWORKS. Schools will focus on building networks with local business communities to create pipelines for their students and broaden spheres of influence as well as sources of funding. Schools will become hubs of connections to future employers and opportunities.

• BRIDGING PRIVILEGE GAPS. There should be real-world informed, comprehensive strategies developed by schools to engage underserved communities in international education.

• PRIORITIES. High-impact learning, experiential learning, and travel experiences will become prioritized by leading institutions as a core part of student learning and will be accessible for all through the adjustment of curriculum and financial models.  

• MULTIPLE INTERNSHIPS. Students who participate in multiple internships will stand out as each experience is unique. 

IIC DUBLIN: FINAL THOUGHTS

Another highlight of the conference was the closing ceremony. Peter enjoyed engaging with the audience in a thoughtful and lively “parliamentary debate.” Several speakers proposed ideas and there was a showing of support through “ay” and “boo” just like a real parliament. Topics, among others, included the importance of maintaining and fostering alumni networks and creating spaces where students with disabilities can travel and be accommodated.  

Throughout the conference, Peter was thrilled to connect with colleagues, partners, and friends both from Ireland and beyond.

“It was really inspiring to hear about all the amazing work partners and institutions are doing to open the world to students and prepare them to thrive in a globalized world as citizens, employees, and leaders,” he reflected.

EDODYSSEY IN IRELAND & A PERSONAL CONNECTION

Ireland, as many of you know, is one of EdOdyssey’s newest custom program destinations.

Peter managed to squeeze in a visit to the EPIC Museum and to Kilmainham Gaol, both highlights of his trip and both examples of places that could potentially suit the learning objectives of future custom programs in Dublin.

The EPIC Museum (The Irish Emigration Museum) is a real treat to visit. Focusing on storytelling, interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and state-of-the-art technology share the history of the Irish diaspora and the impact of Irish emigrants around the world. The museum covers the contributions of Irish emigrants to fields as diverse as science, politics, literature, sports, and entertainment. You can even research your own family history through an interactive genealogy database. 

Kilmainham Goal, built in 1796, is a former prison with an important role in Ireland’s struggle for independence as well as in its political history as many nationalists and rebellion leaders were imprisoned there. It closed in 1924 and re-opened as a museum in 1960 after significant restoration work.

“Kilmainham Gaol, especially, was a powerful place to visit as it played a pivotal role in the efforts that led to the foundation of the Irish Republic, and many members of my family—including my great grandfather—were directly involved in these efforts,” Peter said. “One of my great grandfathers was actually a prisoner of war in Ireland before immigrating. The family stories have remained alive and well throughout the generations.” 

CREATING A CUSTOM PROGRAM WITH US

There’s so much more that Dublin—and Ireland as a whole—can teach your students. And it’s a pleasant place to visit too. The Irish people have a reputation for being some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. There’s lively music, breathtakingly beautiful scenery, and a long and rich history, among many other reasons to visit.

If you’re interested in considering Ireland as a custom program destination for your students, we welcome you to start a conversation with us. Share your ideas and learning objectives, ask questions, and find out how we can collaborate to make your dream of a trip a reality.