Meet the 2024-2025 Ireland Fellows
On 2 October 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs marked the 50th anniversary of Irish Aid and the Ireland Fellows Programme.
Since the Programme was establishment in 1974, almost 4,000 Fellows have studied in Ireland under this prestigious award.
The Ireland Fellows Programme has grown and evolved over the years, transforming many lives, and making invaluable contributions to capacity development throughout the world.
The Programme has also been instrumental in building global links with Ireland.
The Ireland Fellows Programme offers people from around the world the opportunity to spend one year studying in Ireland.
Meet some of the 2024-2025 Fellows below
Juliane and Isabele from Brazil
Juliane: I am a lawyer from Brazil with an academic background in Social Sciences. I have experience in philanthropy for social justice and promoting the defence of human rights, particularly for indigenous and local communities.
I applied for an Ireland Fellows Programme to deepen my expertise, and expand and refine my approach to human rights within an international environment.
Isabele: As a lawyer assisting indigenous communities and a student deeply engaged with critical human rights theory, I recognised the Ireland Fellows Programme as an opportunity to strengthen my role as an agent of change.
My objective is to enhance advocacy efforts within international human rights institutions to benefit Brazil’s indigenous and marginalized communities.
Bruno from Cabo Verde
Since graduating with a Degree in Medicine in 2019, I have practiced as a general practitioner in a primary care unit in my local area. Over the past five years, I have participated in training in the field of public health, and I was directly engaged in the frontline response to SARS-CoV-2.
The opportunity to pursue a fellowship in Ireland arose unexpectedly; yet it has proven to be so worthwhile. The experience has been remarkable, encompassing both academic and personal growth.
The cultural engagement with my classmates is exceptional. I aim to maximise this opportunity to pursue my studies here by acquiring knowledge that will contribute to the sustainable development of my country and foster future bilateral cooperation in the field of public health between Cabo Verde and Ireland.
Phengheng from Cambodia
I am Phengheng Khorn, a Cambodian lecturer of English pursuing MEd in Digital Leadership in Education at Mary Immaculate College. With a background in teaching, I have taught Literature Studies and Critical Thinking. Aside from teaching, I have been involved in multiple research projects to unlock new knowledge and inform educational policy.
The Ireland Fellows Programme offers a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge and expertise within Ireland’s vibrant academic and cultural environment. Ultimately, I hope to contribute meaningfully to educational development in Cambodia, especially by empowering Cambodian students through innovative digital approaches that expand access and enrich learning experiences for all.
Maria from Costa Rica
My name is Maria Del Milagro Salazar Cerdas and I am an English teacher from Costa Rica. I applied to the Ireland Fellows Programme because Ireland offers top quality education and I wanted the chance to enrich my life by studying in a different country.
I hope I can take with me profound insights from all of the great initiatives, efforts, and programmes that Ireland puts towards education to impact in a small or big way my classroom, the school where I work, and hopefully my country’s educational system. I am absolutely grateful for this life-changing experience.
Peter from Kenya
I am a current MSc student in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at University College Dublin (UCD), and my career has been defined by a passion for sustainable farming and a commitment to rural community development.
The decision to apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme was driven by a vision to gain specialized skills that could impact my community and agricultural systems worldwide. Through this fellowship, I have the invaluable opportunity to study at UCD. I am learning from experienced professors and gaining practical insights through partnerships with leading organisations like Teagasc. I look forward to making a tangible impact, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and sustainable livelihood for future generations.
Ayman and Nour from Palestine
Ayman: I am currently studying a Master's in Environmental Society and Culture at Mary Immaculate College. I have worked in architectural engineering and have experience in project management and community health engagement in Palestine.
Through the Ireland Fellows Programme, I aim to deepen my expertise in sustainable development, gain global insights, and help address environmental challenges impacting vulnerable communities. I plan to apply these skills to advocate for climate action and sustainable design in Palestine and beyond.
Nour: I am a social care worker from Jerusalem with a degree in psychology from Birzeit University. I have worked with young people in disadvantaged areas, to empower them through meaningful community initiatives and skill-development programs.
Through the Ireland Fellows Programme, I aim to deepen my knowledge and expertise, inspired by Ireland’s inclusive approach to social care and community development. My vision is a future where my people have accessible, reliable support systems to enhance their well-being and live fulfilling lives.
Tran from Vietnam
I am a user experience writer and content designer with 3 years of experience in the banking and financial technologies in Vietnam. I first heard of the Ireland Fellows Programme (IFP) from a colleague who was an IFP alumnus a few years ago.
Through my MA in Interaction Design at NCAD, I am actively looking into the principles and practices of behavioural design in the digital space. I am hoping to leverage both theoretical and technical know-how from my study programme to later on contribute to social enterprises and public policies in Vietnam by applying behavioural interventions to design for better wellbeing and quality of life.