MORE than 50 young people from the north are off to study in the US.
They have been selected to take part in the British Council's Study USA programme and will spend the next academic year in business or `stem' related subjects at colleges across 34 states.
The aim is to develop their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
Zoe Clarke (20) from Sixmilecross in Co Tyrone will spend her year at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina. As an Interactive Media Student at Ulster University, she is excited to be part of the programme.
"This experience will benefit me immensely; as 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 traveling, making new friends and adjusting to a new lifestyle," she said.
North Regional College student Adam Pidgeon is also looking forward to the experience. Originally from Ballymena, the 20-year-old is currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and will head to King's College in Pennsylvania this month.
"I decided to take part in Study USA as I hope it will give me insights and opportunities which I would not otherwise have – increasing my employment prospects as well as gaining vital experience I can add to my CV," he said.
