Now in its sixth year, the student ambassador program is cited as a key element in the promotion of Ireland as a centre of excellence in international education.

Over 50 students from 21 countries including Canada, Chile, Brazil, Russia, China, India, UK, Malaysia, Nigeria and US, studying at higher education institutes across the country, are actively promoting Ireland as a destination of choice for third level education by sharing their stories with 3.5 million followers of Education in Ireland.

As Ireland works to fulfil the ambitions set out in the 2016 strategy document, Globally Connected, Ireland Educated, it is prioritising authentic student experience in its marketing campaigns.

A spokesperson for Education in Ireland told The PIE News that Ireland’s international student alumni now attend events such as study abroad fairs in India, for example, where they can share stories of their experience in Ireland with prospective students and their parents.

In China, “Ireland days” are held on campus to educate Chinese students about Irish culture and its study opportunities.

“In the highly connected world of millennials, peer-to-peer communication in international higher education is becoming increasingly valued,” they said.

To find out more about how the Irish international education market is developing, subscribe now to The PIE Review to read our next Business Barometer: Ireland.