Over 60 colleagues and alumni from INTO Queen’s and Queen’s University Belfast gathered recently to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of employees on both sides of the partnership.
The late January Recognition Banquet was held at the INTO centre to celebrate, in particular, the excellent results obtained in the 2018 British Council and Quality Assurance Agency audits.
The most recent British Council Accreditation Report (published in August 2018) notes INTO Queen’s strengths in strategic and quality management, staff management, student administration, premises and facilities, learning resources, course design, learner management, teaching, care of students, and safeguarding of students under the age of 18.
The evening began with a welcome from Queen’s University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Greer. “INTO Queen’s provides a life-enhancing experience for our students and we are delighted that this academic year we have had the highest number of students progressing to Queen’s University degrees. This is testament to the hard work and the commitment of the teaching and support staff at INTO to ensure students reach their full potential,” he said.
A total of 197 students progressed from INTO Queen’s to Queen’s University Belfast in 2018. A highlight of the evening was when former students shared their experiences of their time at INTO.
Martins Dogo’s journey began at INTO Queen’s studying the International Year One in Engineering in 2015. He then progressed to a degree in Aerospace Engineering and is now taking a PhD in Computer Science at Queen’s.
Martins, who comes from Nigeria, said: “INTO Queen’s is where I was taught not only academic skills but social skills; how to make friends and build my confidence in speaking to people. The staff here played a huge part in helping me successfully achieve my goals, I would especially like to acknowledge my former teacher of the Electronic and Electrical Engineering module.”
Another guest INTO alumnus, Hamsavani Rajeswaren, who comes from Singapore and is Student Vice President of Equality and Diversity at Queen’s Students’ Union, had this to say: “The INTO recognition banquet was a true testament to the amazing work that INTO Queen’s do on a daily basis transforming the international experience.
“As an alumnus of INTO, and now being able to work with INTO students, I can definitely say INTO Queen’s have been consistently exemplary in looking at the all-round experience of international students, from making academia accessible to ensuring they experience the rich culture of Northern Ireland during their time here.
“INTO is unparalleled in putting student experience at the forefront of their education. The staff at INTO truly devote themselves to providing this world-class experience, and deserved the recognition rightly!” said Hamsa, who graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a BSc in Psychology in 2018, having successfully progressed from the International Foundation in Engineering and Science.
In her closing speech, Bridget White, INTO Senior Vice President of UK Operations and Partnerships, said: “‘Thank you to all the INTO Queen’s staff and Queen’s University Belfast for all their hard work and dedication to our students to ensure that they have all the support they need to ensure that they are successful and are able to achieve their potential. Listening to Hamsa and Martins, shows how, through working together, INTO Queen’s and Queen’s University Belfast make a difference in helping students exceed their expectations.”
After the speeches, harpist Loreto McAuley, also an alumnus of Queen’s University, played beautifully, creating a relaxed and zen environment, as colleagues mingled and enjoyed the banquet.
You can view photos of the event here.