Q&A

I am taking the Leaving Cert in June, aiming to get 300-350 points, and am interested in studying business in September. I would like to work for a multinational company, with the option of working outside Ireland, I feel I need a Business Degree with a strong international element. Are there any three-year degree programmes that concentrate on international business and provide work experience? Brian Mooney replies.

The American College Dublin (ACD), a fee-paying private college, which is located on Merrion Square, has a three-year honours degree in international business (AC120) with an internship. This course provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of the international business environment using the latest theories. One of the unique aspects of its international business degree is that it has very small classes but a very international student body. In its business programme, it has sought to use these cultural differences to foster a learning environment that encourages integration and understanding among the students. Having spoken to a number of students currently taking this programme, the college seems to have a high level of awareness of the challenges facing students in the global environment and is very much focused on providing the students with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies required to succeed at post-graduate level and in business.

One of ACD's unique features is that many of its programs are accredited both by HETAC and by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which are recognised by the department of education in the US. This dual accreditation opens up worldwide opportunities for post-graduate studies and employment.

Another feature of ACD's programs is its internships, courses offered at ACD require an internship or work placement. This offers students the opportunity to gain valuable and practical work experience in the areas which they have been studying. Students can intern within Ireland and internationally.

For more information, see www.amcd.ie or tel: 01-6768939.

On which dates should Leaving Cert students avoid being abroad?

Once the written examination papers finish on Friday, June 24th, students applying through the CAO for places in any of the 42 higher education institutions in the State have one week to review their list of course choices. It is crucial that all students review their choices to ensure they meet the minimum entry requirements, such as essential subjects taken. Students can review all courses at www.qualifax.ie and submit amended applications online by 5.15pm on Friday, July 1st, at www.cao.ie.

Once that is completed, students are free to travel until Friday, September 1st, when they must be present to view a script, if they are requesting a re-check. To view a script, a completed application form, with the results of the Leaving Certificate, must be handed into the student's school by Tuesday, August 23rd. It is not essential that students be personally present when the Leaving Certificate results are published on Wednesday the 17th August, or when the CAO makes its first-round offers on Monday, August 22nd, as both are available online using the personal numbers provided by the State Examination Commission and the CAO. As most colleges hold their induction week in early September it is absolutely essential that students be back in Ireland at that stage.

As this is my last column of the academic year, I should like to wish all my readers an enjoyable summer.

Brian Mooney is president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. E-mail questions to

bmooney@irish- times.ie