A Festive Message from the MTU International Community

As we approach Christmas, all of us here in the international office wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Read more from some of our Global Citizens Team and International Office Staff.

The Student Perspective: Festive Feedback

“As a third year mechanical Engineering student I have had the chance to experience MTU fro many perspectives and it has been an incredible couple of years. One of the most enjoyabl aspects has been getting involved with societies. Engineering can be intense at times so havin outlets outside of the classroom has been very important.Whether it was joining in clu activities, social events or meeting new people. MTU's societies gave me the opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone

As I approach Christmas, I find myself looking forward to the holiday season. This year I particular the break feels even more meaningful because it brings me closer to something that have been looking forward to since my first year. I will be going for an 8 month workplacemen next year and this is something that I am incredibly excited about. It feels like the next step on my journey to become an engineer. It is an opportunity to test my skiIIs, get a real taste of my future career and grow further.

~ Leul Blastoise, 3rd Year Mechanical Engineering

“As a new first year MTU student, I have experienced a lot in MTU and meet loads of new people and created many new friends that I consider family now. I study Business Information Systems, and it is intense most of the time and requires loads of focus and understanding but thankfully I really like it and find it really interesting as I’m learning new things and old things I already know but expanding my knowledge on it

As the Christmas holidays approach I have loads of assignments and exams to do and it does feel a bit overwhelming but knowing that I get to go back home and see my familty and friends that I have not seen in ages is really helping motivate me. Coming back from the Christmas break might be the exact boost I need to push forward and complete semster 2 with confidance and look forward to Year 2. But as of right now I can’t wait to complete my exams, go back home and see my family and I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

~Darlene, 1st year Business Information Systems, International Student Society

As semester 2 approaches, we welcome ERASMUS+ and Study Abroad students. As Global Citizens in the International office, we know that moving to a whole new country on your own can be intense and scary. We want to reassure you that you are not alone, and you can come and speak with us any time and the international office staff are here to help you as well

I would personally like to thank all the people that work in the international office who provided us with opportunities to get involved and who have helped us this whole semster making us feel welcome and at home in Cork and MTU 

This year was the first year the office ran our new ‘International Christmas Craic-er’ it was great to see the other Global Citizens get involved and partner with the International Student Society. It was especially nice for us students who can’t go back home for the holidays, to feel involved and help create a new family at MTU.

Here is a note from Emily who joined the office a week before the event:

“What a wonderful time to start in the International Office. In my first two weeks I was able to attend the very first International Office Christmas party for International Students. It was a great opportunity to see the dedication and passion from the Global Citizens, International Society and office staff. I especially enjoyed watching people from all different backgrounds and cultures enjoy Irish Christmas activities together such as decoration and Christmas card creation – gingerbread icing and games of charades. Seeing so many people turn up to support each other and get involved was a lovely introduction to the International community in MTU and I’m excited for 2026 and more events like this."

~Emily Stickland, Non-EU office

If you aren’t able to have Christmas dinner due to any circumstances, you can always come to the MTU cafeteria and stock up in advance on popcorn chicken for the holidays (as the cafeteria in closed on the 25th)

And once again we wish to see you in the New Year and wish you a Merry Christmas.