The predecessor of the National Maynooth University of Ireland dates back to St. Patrick's Theological Seminary in 1795. Maynooth University currently has about 6,000 students from Ireland and around the world, as a member of ireland's national university education system, Maynooth University has humanities and arts, natural sciences, philosophy, engineering and other disciplines, a complete curriculum, each department has a strong graduate school lineup. Countless famous scientists, such as Nicholas Kailan (1826-1864), who made numerous early discoveries in the field of electromagnetism, have made important contributions to maintaining this tradition.
Today, Maynooth University still has many world-class scientists in many areas of scientific research. In addition, the university also strives to provide many part-time job opportunities for overseas students, and jobs such as teaching assistants not only bring financial benefits to students, but also a rare learning experience for students.
The reporter had the honor to interview President John Hughes and asked him to introduce the school's ideas on Chinese admissions and his own impressions of interaction with Chinese students.
Reporter: For now, Ireland is not the preferred destination for Chinese students to study abroad. I think it's probably because they don't know much about studying in Ireland yet. What would you like to say about that?
Chancellor Hughes: First of all, just as China has grown so fast in the last 20 years, Ireland has changed dramatically, and it has become the second richest country in Europe after Luxembourg. At the same time, Ireland continues to retain its natural scenery and stable social environment, which is one of the many reasons why it attracts international students. The National University of Ireland, Maynooth, is located on the outskirts of the capital, Dublin, just 30 minutes by train.
Secondly, there are quite a few Chinese in Ireland. Although the exact number is unknown, there are figures that about 100,000 Chinese live in Ireland. They constitute the largest minority in Ireland. It also makes Ireland an attractive place for Chinese students.
Third, the Irish government and the Chinese Ministry of Education have also signed a series of agreements to encourage the higher education sectors of the two countries to actively carry out various forms of cooperation. For example, Chinese students can easily obtain a student visa by providing authentic and valid materials, and international students in irish schools can work in Ai for two years after graduation if they meet the conditions. When I was a student, the unemployment rate in Ireland was probably around 20%, but now the unemployment rate is almost zero. This shows that there are still many employment opportunities for graduates. This also makes Ireland attractive to international students, including Chinese students.
Finally, Irish institutions are constantly striving to create a strong academic atmosphere and provide the best teaching and research facilities to meet the expectations of Irish students and international students from all over the world. Ireland is also a very young and dynamic country. In Dublin, for example, almost half of the population is under the age of 25. This may also be what attracts international students.
Reporter: What are your thoughts on the collection of tuition fees?
CHANCELLOR HUGHES: I personally believe that EU students should be charged a reasonable amount of tuition fees. In this way, students will be able to cherish the opportunity to receive education, and schools can also enhance their competitiveness. For non-EU students, the tuition fees they pay are worth the money compared to the education they receive, especially relative to American schools.
Reporter: But such a high tuition fee is still difficult for the average Chinese student to afford.
Chancellor Hughes: Our school has a variety of scholarships, especially for graduate students. We offer a number of doctoral and master's scholarships, some of which are awarded to Chinese students.
Reporter: What are the requirements for students applying for scholarships?
Chancellor Hughes: For European students, generally they need to hold a First Class Honours degree or a very good Second Class Honours degree. At present, we have Chinese students studying in our school who have received scholarships. They all come from top Chinese universities such as Tsinghua University, Sun Yat-sen University, chinese Academy of Sciences and so on. Once students receive a full scholarship, not only is the tuition fee waived, but the scholarship also provides them with sufficient living expenses.
In my academic career, I have led 26 Chinese PhD students. They all received full scholarships, and some of them now hold senior manager positions at Beijing's top multinationals. They are probably the best of the students I've ever taken, and I'm very proud of them. Whenever I come to China, I will meet them.
I've taken 50 PhD students so far, half of whom are Chinese. If you ask me to list the top 10 students, it is likely that 9 are Chinese students.
Reporter: Do you think that Chinese students lack hands-on ability?
Chancellor Hughes: In the initial stages of their studies or research, it may be so. Chinese students majoring in computer science in our school are very hands-on. They are all hardworking and innovative. However, it takes about a year to 15 months to develop their ability to think independently. Most Chinese students don't seem active enough in front of their tutors, which is not in line with our style. When it comes to teaching Chinese students, a big challenge is to make them feel comfortable and encouraged so that they can express their views and discuss and debate issues with their mentors and classmates.
Reporter: I heard that computer science is the most prestigious major in your school?
Principal Hughes: In terms of the whole country, it is also the best.
Reporter: As far as I know, 60 of the 6,000 students at your school are from China. Does your school have any special policies to attract more Chinese students?
President Hughes: Direct admissions is not the focus of our work in China right now. We are more focused on building networks with Chinese institutions. Our strategy in China is to build long-term relationships with Chinese institutions. We don't think it's a good thing to recruit 500 Chinese students at once, it's better for us to gradually enroll through partnerships.
Reporter: Will your school organize some special activities for Chinese students?
Principal Hughes: We use the weekend to organize students to take a ride to the local Asian supermarket. We have long been aware of the needs of students in this regard and therefore organize such activities. In addition to this, there are many other activities.
We also maintain good relations with the Chinese Embassy in Dublin. I have become very good friends with the Chinese ambassador to Ireland. Before I came to China, we had dinner together. He also attended our Chinese New Year party, which gave the party a more special meaning.
Introduction to The National University of Ireland Maynooth
Founded: 1795
Location/Transportation: The National University of Ireland Maynooth is conveniently located in the town of Maynooth, 25 km west of Dublin, with motorways, rail and buses.
Campus: The campus is home to many 18th-century houses, quadrangular courtyards, Georgian architecture and prestigious Gothic plazas, as well as more modern and specialized academic lecture halls and laboratories.
Entry requirements: There should be a high school diploma to apply for a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's degree to apply for a master's degree, and a master's degree to apply for a doctorate. In addition, the TOEFL score should reach 550 points. However, Chinese students only need to have an intermediate level of English.
Recommended majors: Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communication Engineering, Economics, Finance.
Academic Year Schedule and Scholarships: The start of the school year is in January and September of each year. The College has a variety of educational funds to encourage students to achieve results in coursework and to help students with poor financial conditions to complete their studies, such as bursaries, scholarships, etc.
On-campus accommodation: Accommodation costs between $820 and $960