University College Cork, also known as National University of Ireland, Cork, was the first university in Ireland to launch a unique Ambassador Year in China scheme for its graduates.

This exciting move built on the city of Cork’s well-established sister city link with Shanghai.

Following our Ireland co-ordinator’s visit to University College Cork in November 2019 to offer a culture-and-careers event that included an East Asian tea reception, UCC decided to work with us to create a pioneering University College Cork Ambassador Year in China graduate scheme; it’s known as UCC-AYC for short.

We are delighted that Employer Engagement, Careers, International Strategy and UCC’s Shanghai representative in China have all been actively involved in laying the foundations for this unique and exciting scheme, contributing to its success.  We are also grateful for interest shown by the UCC academic body, and broad support for the scheme at UCC.

Impressive candidates who passed pre-screening were offered panel interviews with representatives from UCC, Ambassador Year in China and Ambright.

The first two UCC Graduate Ambassadors have been placed at Thomas Schools of China in major cities.  

The Ambassador Year in China team and UCC have jointly delivered pre-departure briefings and consultations to ensure that UCC Graduate Ambassadors can make the most of the programme to develop their international career interests while also making a difference in communities in China.

UCC Graduate Ambassadors are expected to be involved in UCC events and Irish cultural events in China while serving in their pioneering roles.