August, Dublin - Education in Ireland recently sponsored the Global Irish Football Tournament  (GIFT) in Ireland, a showcase of 12 US and Canadian teams in Dublin, prior to the Emerald Isle Classic clash between Navy and Notre Dame. The sponsorship is part of Education Ireland’s ongoing drive to encourage American high school students to consider Ireland as an education destination.

A total of 12 teams including 7 top U.S. high school teams, 2 college teams, 2 Canadian high school teams and a UK all-star team contested the tournament.  Gill Roe, Manager, Education in Ireland commented: “We were delighted to be involved in this programme, because high schools students, their parents and counsellors are obviously our key target market. Over the last year we have seen a 43% increase in applications from US high school students to Irish universities.”

Ireland ranks as a top-class destination for international students.   The International Student Barometer ranks Ireland ahead of all other English-speaking countries, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands for international student satisfaction. Education in Ireland has been involved in promoting the Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the USA for over 20 years, and Ireland ranks as the 9th most important destination for US students.

For more information see http://blog.educationinireland.com/ where current US student ambassadors talk about their experiences studying in Ireland.