FIFTY-four students from across Northern Ireland leave this month on a year's study programme to America.
They have been selected to take part in the British Council’s prestigious Study USA programme and will spend the next academic year studying business or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-related subjects in American colleges, across 34 states, with the aim of developing their career prospects when they return home.
The British Council, which is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, manages Study USA on behalf of the Department for the Economy, and since its formation in 1994, the initiative has sent more than 2000 students from the north to all parts of the States.
Zoe Clarke (20) from Sixmilecross, who will spend her year at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina (she is an interactive media student at Ulster University) said: “For me, this a is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I've never been to America before, so am excited to experience the culture and explore different parts of the country.
“This experience will benefit me immensely. Coming from a media background I have never studied business, so I’m looking forward to learning new skills and studying a new subject. I’m also looking forward to boosting my confidence through solo travelling, making new friends and adjusting to a new lifestyle.”
Jonathan Stewart, director at the British Council Northern Ireland, said: “I'm confident these students will be great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and will help to further important long-term links and connections between the two countries.
“They will have the opportunity to not only enhance their employability skills but also develop inter-cultural skills, which will help them to prepare to work in a global economy.”
