Considering Studying Business at IT Sligo?

I've been receiving some questions about how I selected IT Sligo as the place I'd like to complete my degree, as well as some general questions from students considering coming here as well. I'll try to summarize some important details for you, and if you are considering an education at IT Sligo, feel free to get in contact with me with any questions, or maybe someone more knowledge than me (enter International Officer, Patrick), your choice.

IT Sligo recently hosted a webinar about studying here (featuring myself), which was recorded and you can view here.

Application Process.

I applied through KOM consultants, which is a company based out of Hamilton, Ontario. They are the middle man in the whole process, and the university pays them if a student attends the college by applying through KOM. It's really helpful to have them because they can bridge the gap by answering Canadian specific questions. It's also free to apply through them, so that's also a big plus. The requirements may vary depending on the number of applicants any given year but when I applied last year, the minimum GPA was 2.0. Yeah, you read that right, you don't have to excel in college, you just have to graduate. They did say to have a competitive advantage, you should aim for at least a 2.4 but come on people, you can do better. When I originally applied I had no intention of going, but it was free, so I figured why not keep my options open.

Cost.

The cost I'm sure varies year to year, but for the 2017 Academic Year, International students are paying €7,500 for the business program. It sounds like a lot of money. If you consider the fact that transferring to a university in Canada would mean two years instead of one (twice the tuition, twice the cost of living), it actually works out to be cheaper to study in Ireland than staying home to study, so it's a no brainer really. Sligo also has a lower cost of living in comparison to larger cities in Ireland. OSAP will also fund your trip abroad up to $10 000 depending on your personal circumstance.

Location.

If case you haven't been studying a map of Ireland recently, Sligo is located on the North West coast of the island. There are mountains, and beaches, and it looks exactly what you would expect a beautiful Irish town to look like. It's also a really small town, so most things are in walking distance. The public transit system isn't great, so you will be walking lots, but it's pretty and it's never too hot, or too cold so who cares. Plus, I hear exercise is good for you anyways.

Program.

The Honours Business Program in particular is a fourth year add on to an existing Canadian advanced diploma. On your first day, you have the opportunity to select the stream of business you'd like to be in (Marketing, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Tourism, Sports, etc.) and select your electives. There are core classes for the business program that all streams will be enrolled in which are: Business Strategy 1, and Macro Economics in semester one, and Business Strategy 2, and Micro Economics in semester two. There are then four core classes for your specific stream, and you select one elective per semester. Contrary to Canadian colleges, the electives are course relevant, so you won't feel like you're wasting your time learning about social sciences (no offence to my previous professors, interesting, but useful? Maybe not).

Studying abroad for a business program will set you apart from other applicants when it's time to apply for jobs. In today's global marketplace, it's imperative that you are able to work with groups from other cultures and backgrounds. Studying at IT Sligo has allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds, as I have been able to work with Irish students and students from other European countries who are here studying. In addition to a stellar program, IT Sligo opened a new Business wing in October 2017, meaning that most of the classrooms your business lectures will be held in, are brand new. There's also tons of space to sit and study, (St. Clair alumni, I know how much this means to you) in the three levels of the library, the cafeteria, the new business wing, and various computer labs throughout the school.

Housing.

While there are a few styles of student accommodation near the IT, I really wasn't interested. Residence is a very college experience, so maybe it's for you, but I need my own space, and need to feel nested, so I wanted a house. Residence is generally speaking, more expensive than renting somewhere else as well. It was really difficult finding a house, because landlords were telling us that they would give preference to Irish students. We lucked out with our landlord. He let us pay 1/4 of our deposit, and pay the rest upon arriving in Ireland, and has been very accommodating. Our house is a ten minute walk from the college, and is completely furnished including dish ware, and vacuums. Our house is a four bedroom, and so Emma and I needed to find some roommates. We had friends who went to the IT last year. and added us to a Facebook group, where we found our lovely roommates.

What to Pack.

I really thought I would have a hard time packing. I was fully prepared to pay the fees to bring a second suitcase. When it came time to actually pack, I was shocked. I managed to fit the essentials into one suitcase, ONE, for nine whole months. You really don't need to bring that much, just clothes, shoes, and makeup. It's not worth it to pay to bring an additional suitcase when you'll likely buy clothes and other items while you're here, and have to pay even more to bring everything back with you in May. I would suggest bringing practical shoes (hiking boots, and rain boots for sure, because Ireland) and really basic clothes than you can dress up or down. Watch some videos on packing, you'd be amazed how much you can actually fit in a suitcase. I don't want to brag, but I did manage to stuff all of my socks and underwear into a pair of running shoes.

Canadian Students.

As if the locals weren't already welcoming enough, it's pretty great to have a huge network of fellow Canadians at the college. For the 2017/2018 academic year, Canadians make up 50 of the 300 international students at the college. It's a whole different connection with fellow Canadian students when you're all abroad. Most of them are hoping to travel as well, so it's a nice way to find travel buddies.

Student Visa.

Ireland is one of the only countries that allows you obtain not only a study visa, but a student work visa, so if you're worried about funding your trip, it's a great option. It also is one of few countries that allows you the opportunity to stay after you finish school. As long as you find a job in your field post grad, you can extend your visa. The cost for a visa here is also relatively low compared to other countries.

Still have Questions?

If you still have questions about studying at IT Sligo, you can contact our International Officer Patrick by email (Lynch.Patrick@itsligo.ie). Patrick will also be making the rounds to Canadian colleges within the next month. St. Clair College students: he will be on campus February 2nd, from 10am until 1pm. If you have questions regarding the student experience, you can contact myself by email (saralablance@gmail.com).

*Please note that program requirements and cost may vary by academic year. Additionally, visa requirements are subject to change.