An international student who was studying at one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities died after falling from the Cliffs of Moher on the Irish west coast, the country’s media has reported.
Anand Goel, 26, was studying marketing and design at Trinity College, Dublin, and had been in Ireland since September 2018, according to the Irish Times.
“Visiting places of historical interest… is a big part of the social activities and programs of our schools”
Goel had been travelling around the country taking photos in his spare time and had visited the Cliffs by tour bus alone on January 4. Eyewitnesses are said to have told gardaí Goel had lost his footing as he was taking a selfie.
“This was a tragic accident involving an international student and we have extended our sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of the student,” Sheila Power, director of the Irish Council for International Students told The PIE News.
International students do not receive special messages when entering the country, Power added, but noted that health and safety implications apply to every visitor to the Cliffs of Moher.
A spokesperson from Trinity College Dublin said that it follows international best practice for duty of care with regard to its students, beginning with an extensive orientation programme that lasts for 12 weeks of the first term.
The college has also developed a suite of safety and safety risk policies and procedures, and a well-developed set of student services that is unrivalled in the Irish education sector, they added.
“The College is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students as a result of an accident while travelling on vacation to experience the country that was hosting his studies. Mr Goel was hugely excited to be in Ireland and at Trinity and was an exceptionally active and supportive member of his class,” the spokesperson said.
Speaking to The PIE, Marketing English in Ireland CEO David O’Grady sent his condolences, describing it as “a terrible tragedy”.
“We regret the loss of life and pain caused to family and friends. Visiting places of historical interest or of scenic and natural beauty is a big part of the social activities and programs of our schools,” he noted.
O’Grady explained that all MEI member schools carry insurance that covers students while they are in the school, and for students who need a visa to study in Ireland, evidence of health and travel insurance is required as part of the visa application process.
In 2017, the death of a Korean student at Seven Sisters Cliffs in the UK highlighted the importance of safety standards for visiting students.
