Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology or GMIT. Students interested in the fine arts within Ireland attend IT colleges. These are the equivalent of four-year universities in the United States, but students can also complete a Level 6/7 course of study which would be similar to an Associates degree. Degrees are offered in Art and Design, Film and Documentary, Fine Art, and Textiles. Austin Ivers, who teaches in the digital media department, invited me to the school to give me a tour and meet other faculty. The discussion focused on how they approach curriculum planning, budgetary concerns, the role of the university in the local, regional, and national community, and student life. It seemed that some of their concerns and methods are similar to education in the U.S. while others are unique. It was a great dialogue and exchange of ideas. Here are a few images of their school. For more information here is their website www.gmit.ie