Melanie Daniel
College in Ontario: St. Clair College
Year of graduation: 2018
Studied: BA (Hons) in Sports Management & Coaching
You don't know the value an unknown can bring into your life until you step outside of your comfort zone and experience all it has to offer. Moving to Ireland from Canada for a year was truly the best decision of my life. The life-long friends I made, the practical and hands-on education I received, the personal growth I experienced and the opportunity to play on the best (championship winning) soccer team in the country are memories I will hold onto forever. I always dreamed of working for a professional sports team but felt it was too unrealistic and unattainable, until SETU became a differentiated asset on my resume. I landed my dream job with the Toronto Blue Jays MLB team while in Ireland for graduation 5 months after finishing my last class, and 5 years later, I still look to the projects I completed, advice from my teachers, spontaneous trips I took and moments I created to help guide me in my life and career. I will forever treasure the value it brought me personally and professionally and will trust that the most uncomfortable things will more than likely be the most worth it.
Tawnya Foster
College in Ontario: Durham College
Year of graduation: 2019
Studied: Bachelor of Business (Hons.) in Human Resources Management
Five years after graduating from SETU, I look back on my time there as a truly life-changing experience, one filled with fond memories. My career in Human Resources has flourished since then, and I currently work on the HR Partnerships team at a university in western Canada. The skills I gained in Ireland have played a huge role in my professional success, and the experience helped me grow personally, broadening my perspective and making me more adaptable. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I highly recommend SETU to anyone considering studying in Ireland—it offers a unique experience outside of the city of Dublin and a vibrant student life in Carlow that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Kyle Stiliadis
College in Ontario: Durham College, Ontario
Studied: Bachelor of Business Administration
Year of graduation: 2017
Choosing to study internationally has been one of the most impactful decisions I made for my education, life, and career. Being featured as the Student of the Year highlighted this journey and validated the skills I gained abroad. The experience broadened my worldview and strengthened my adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. Exposure to diverse perspectives and global business practices has enriched my understanding of international markets and cross-cultural collaboration—qualities that employers highly value in today’s globalized workplace. This international experience has been a standout point on my resume, sparking meaningful conversations with employers and often setting me apart in competitive hiring processes.
Grace Pettigrew
College in Ontario: St. Lawrence College (Kingston)
Studied: Bachelor (Hons) in Bioscience & Biopharmaceuticals
Year of Graduation: 2023
My time at SETU was invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the support I received from both my professors and peers. Damien E., in particular, was an exceptional teacher who went above and beyond, not only guiding me through my studies but also helping me secure my first job after graduation. I now work at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Research Centre, where I am involved in Phase 1 drug trial research. The knowledge and skills I gained during my coursework in both Ontario and Carlow have been directly applicable to my role, and I’m thankful for how well it prepared me for this career path.