Internationalisation

At Shannon College of Hotel Management, internationalisation is at the heart of everything we do. In an industry as global as ours, we believe our students must be equipped not only with world-class academic and professional skills but also with a deep understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and global business practices.
From our international placements, to our diverse student body and global alumni network, we prioritise international exposure at every stage of the student journey. This commitment ensures our graduates are not just industry-ready, but globally minded leaders prepared to thrive anywhere in the world.

For this reason, we have established an Internationalisation Group with dedicated teams focusing on Research, Virtual Collaboration, and On-Campus Internationalisation — further embedding a global mindset into all areas of college life.

Keith Carden
Associate Head of Internationalisation

As Associate Head of Internationalisation at Shannon College of Hotel Management, Keith plays a key role in advancing the College’s global engagement strategy. With a strong belief in the transformative power of international education, Keith is committed to enhancing global opportunities and experiences for students and staff alike. Keith leads initiatives across several key areas, including Virtual Collaboration, International Partnerships, Study Abroad programmes, and On-Campus Internationalisation. Passionate about research in international education and global mobility, Keith works closely with academic and industry partners worldwide to foster meaningful collaborations that enrich the student experience and support academic excellence.
Contact Keith : keith.carden@universityofgalway.ie

Sarah O Mahony
Marketing Manager

As Marketing Manager at Shannon College of Hotel Management, Sarah plays a vital role in shaping the College’s public presence and strategic engagement with both domestic and international audiences. With a strong passion for global education, Sarah also leads key internationalisation initiatives that support the College’s commitment to producing globally minded hospitality leaders.

In addition to her core marketing responsibilities, Sarah drives the development of international partnerships, leads study abroad collaborations, and champions virtual international collaboration projects. Her work connects Shannon College with institutions and industry partners around the world, expanding global opportunities for students and staff.

Sarah is deeply invested in enhancing the international student experience both on campus and abroad, and works closely with colleagues across the University of Galway to support research and innovation in international education. Through her leadership, Shannon College continues to strengthen its global reputation as a centre of excellence in hospitality management.
Contact Sarah : sarah.omahony@universityofgalway.ie

Internationalisation Group

Celine Ryan - Lead for Virtual Collaboration

As Chair of Virtual Collaboration for the Internationalisation Group, Celine Ryan is committed to creating meaningful global connections through innovative virtual initiatives. She leads efforts to expand international engagement by facilitating virtual guest lectures, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programmes, and cross-border academic partnerships. In her role as Associate Head for Internationalisation, Celine works to enhance the international student experience and promote inclusive, globally minded learning environments. Her focus is on building accessible, sustainable, and impactful virtual collaborations that foster intercultural dialogue and enrich teaching and learning across institutions.
Contact Celine : celine.ryan@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Sean T. Ruane - Lead for Collaborative Research

As Associate Head of Research for Internationalisation, Dr. Sean T Ruane is committed to advancing inclusive practices and enhancing the global experience for international students. He leads efforts to research and develop strategies that support student integration and foster a welcoming, diverse campus environment.
Contact Sean : sean.t.ruane@universityofgalway.ie

Joan Markham - Co Lead On Campus Engagement

Joan Markham co-leads the Internationalisation Working Group at Shannon College of Hotel Management, where she is dedicated to promoting a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for international students. Her focus is on improving their integration and enriching their experience by fostering global connections within the campus community.
Contact Joan : joan.markham@universityofgalway.ie

Emma Daly - Co Lead On Campus Engagement

Emma Daly serves as co-chair of the on-campus internationalisation working group at Shannon College. She is deeply committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for international students, working to enhance integration and foster meaningful global experiences on campus for students joining the college from all corners of the world.
Contact Emma: edaly@universityofgalway.ie