JAPAN TO SLIGO TO STUDY
ONE dedicated IT Sligo student has certainly put the ‘distance’ into distance learning - online student Chiaki Otomo flew 6,000 miles from Japan to Sligo for her one day Induction last Friday.
The MSc in Environmental Health Management will this week start studying online from her home in Sendai, in north Japan.
She is one of 2,800 online students from Europe, Africa, America and Asia studying over 110 courses at the IT, one of the largest number of online students of any third level institute in Ireland.
“We are delighted that people like Chiaki are choosing to study at IT Sligo Online – even if they are on the other side of the world,” said IT President Dr Brendan McCormack.
The IT has ambitions to increase online students from 2,800 to 5,000 by 2022.
Meanwhile over 1,000 ‘freshers’ started their first day at IT Sligo yesterday (Monday).
This year over 350 overseas students are attending the IT from countries including, Oman, Brazil and Japan through the Erasmus programme.
Mayo footballer and IT Sligo graduate, Andy Moran was guest speaker at induction day.
There was also a talk to help parents/guardians with an array of topics from fees and grants to advice on supporting their children through third level.
President of IT Sligo, Dr. Brendan McCormack welcomed all the first years to IT Sligo:
“Never underestimate the journey you have taken to reach this landmark on your life’s journey. The decision you have made, to further your education is one you will never regret.”