Students Needed but Not Wanted
DESIGN RESEARCH
Briefing & Team
This project revolved around in-depth research, exploration and reflection on the precarity faced by people living in the modern world.
As a group, a set of values was established which to be used as lenses to view and explore precarious situations. Through the use of these lenses, categorisation and analysis of precarity was possible and therefore the draw of a set of questions identified to be address through the project.
Heitor Laforga, Gabriela Cladellas, Sophie Ronan & Tamara Markey.
Problem Statement & Context
Precarity refers to the widespread insecurity and instability affecting many aspects of contemporary life, including low-paid and temporary jobs, lack of affordable housing, and an uncertain future.
It particularly impacts vulnerable groups such as young people, migrants, women, and gig economy workers, leading to challenges in income stability, social mobility, and psychological well-being.
Migration has been crucial in shaping Ireland’s history and culture. According to the CSO, non-Irish nationals living in Ireland rose from over 60k in 1996 to over 600k in 2021.
Upon noticing a group of students who were being extremely exploited, we realised that their situation was a microcosm of a larger group of immigrants facing similar challenges in Ireland and around the world.
The project focuses on the exploitation of international students in Ireland, particularly those on Stamp 2 visas. These students, predominantly enrolled in language courses, contribute significantly to the economy, especially in the hospitality sector. Legally allowed to work only part-time while studying, they often face poor living conditions and job insecurity.
We attempted to produce an objective research, but acknowledge that experiences may have influenced our perspective.
Our report is limited by time and access to information, methodology used is subject to the same factors.
It is worth noting that the information presented is subject to interpretation and opinion.
The Project
Our group developed a framework to address precarity and its wicked problems. We were challenged to put theory into practice by creating a project aimed at triggering positive change.
Our goal was to produce a comprehensive and visually engaging narrative that highlights the critical role of international students in Ireland and underscores the urgent need for a sustainable system that acknowledges and addresses the inequalities they face.
The project resulted in a report documenting research and stories and a timeline, that tracks the making of the current situation through political and economic perspectives and and photo album, communicating nuanced pieces of information through everyday situations in the life of the subject of this research.
