“To help other international students, I can only be as relatable and as open as possible.” Maynooth student Emmeline on starting her new role as an International Student Ambassador
After studying in Madrid, Emmeline decided to make a change. She has just taken up a role in the International Office and is looking forward to helping fellow international students. She spoke to us about the role and what she’s looking forward to doing.
Name: Emmeline
University: Maynooth University
Course: BBS Business and Management
Hometown: Jackson Heights, Queens
Country you want to visit: I really want to go Croatia, it’s so beautiful.
Tell me about you - what have you done so far?
“I’m Colombian-American, from Jackson Heights, Queens. There’s around 200 languages spoken in my neighbourhood! I studied Post-Production and Film in Madrid, Spain. But I decided that I wanted to switch the course of my education to get some more stability. I loved being in Spain, but I needed a change! I can use skills that I’ve learned in my previous studies in what I do now, so it was still worth it.”
What is your current role? How did you find out about it?
“I’m an International Student Ambassador in the International Office at Maynooth University. I’m doing this alongside my studies here. I found out about it through an email that they sent out. I was tutoring already and I thought that it would be a good opportunity. I’m glad I went for it!”
What do you like about your role? How will you help international students?
“I like that I can be creative in this role - I can come up with events and plan things. I can also be part of designing and promoting things alongside the Marketing and Communications teams. I get to be really involved in the process, so I can learn a lot.
“To help other international students, I can only be as relatable and as open as possible. I like being out of my comfort zone, but there’s lots of people who don’t. I’ll be able to interact with them and make sure that they’re enjoying their year. I want everyone to experience everything to the fullest.”
“I think CampusConnect is really important. It’s good for all students, not just international. Especially when it comes to making friends. If you feel anxious or self-conscious about making friends or starting university, then the app makes it much easier to break the ice.”
Do you have any tips for international students
Make use of your time - it can go by slowly or quickly, so make the most of it. You’re only here for a certain amount of time and you don’t want to have regrets,
Get involved in as many things as possible,
Make friends with lots of different people - cultural exchange makes you more well-rounded as a person,
Focus on school, but remember to enjoy other aspects of life as well.
What are your future plans?
“My course has the option for an Erasmus year, but I think I’d just like to remain in Ireland and do a three year course. I’ve been abroad already and just want to stay in one place for a bit! I’d like to go into marketing, maybe in management. I want to carry on the sort of work that I’m doing now. That way, I can use the skills I’ve learnt from film and also those that I’ll learn here in Maynooth.”
Catch up with Emmeline on LinkedIn or on Instagram.