The governance and strategy of EIL Intercultural Learning (EIL / AFS Ireland) is overseen by a Board of 7 volunteers who meet on a regular basis throughout the year. All members of the Board dedicate their time and expertise on a voluntary basis and do not receive any payments or emoluments for their work.
Board members are elected each year by the members of EIL / AFS Ireland and they serve a maximum of 3 terms of 3 years.
The members of the Board are:
Andrew has been involved with EIL/AFS Ireland since 2015, beginning with a Study Abroad Explore Award to Switzerland. He has volunteered in mentoring, orientation facilitation, intercultural workshops, and European-level projects.
Andrew lives in Galway and works as Schools Project Manager with Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, combining his professional work with his passion for global learning.
Paul’s involvement with EIL began in 1986 following a homestay programme in Poland and has continued over many years in various board roles, including multiple terms as Chairperson.
He has worked across both the semi-state and private sectors and is currently working in the civil service.
Also, he is an active volunteer with the Irish Red Cross where his main role is Director of Ambulance Operations in Dublin City.
Paul lives in Dublin and remains closely connected to the wider EIL network.
Niamh first became involved with EIL in 2009 through a Travel Award to Hong Kong and later volunteered in India teaching English.
She joined the Board in 2017, previously serving as Chairperson and representing EIL at international federation meetings.
A qualified solicitor with BCL and LLM degrees from UCC, Niamh is also active in youth leadership through her volunteering with the Girl Guides.
Emma participated in an AFS exchange year in Luxembourg before graduating from the University of Cape Town and building a career in organisational development, learning and HR.
She later developed and managed a multi-award-winning hospitality business in South Africa.
Now based in Cork, Emma works in people and culture and contributes to EIL’s mission through her board role and creative practice as an exhibiting artist.
Aedín became involved with EIL after receiving a Global Awareness Programme award in 2020, which enabled her to travel to Mexico. She has since volunteered across EIL activities including orientations and workshops. Aedín is currently completing a PhD focused on habitat rehabilitation and restoration and has a strong interest in environmental sustainability, education equity, and intercultural learning.
Mairead is the Learning & Development Operations Coordinator with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
She has an academic background in sustainability, climate change and policy, as well as human resources, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to her work.
Mairead is a member of the Global Education Council and was an Explore Award recipient through the Access programme in 2019, travelling to Vietnam as part of her intercultural learning journey.
Valentine first developed her interest in intercultural learning as a participant with the organisation “Up with People”, travelling for a year and living with host families while taking part in musical performances and community service initiatives across a range of countries.
She later studied in Cádiz, Spain as part of the Erasmus programme, further building her international experience.
Originally from Belgium, Valentine moved to Cork following completion of her Master’s degree. She has since built her career in multinational organisations and currently works as a Revenue Operations Manager.
