He will be among 61 students from across Northern Ireland on the Study USA programme, which enables students to study business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) subjects for a year in an American colleges, helping to develop their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
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 over 2000 students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States.
Speaking ahead of his departure Alphie said: “I decided to take part in Study USA because I thought it would be a great opportunity to experience what college life is like in America. I’ve never been there before so it was chance to explore a new place and to experience a different culture.
“I am excited, as well as nervous, about meeting new people and hopefully, making new friends will help me settle in quicker.
“When I come back from America my plans are to find an engineering apprenticeship, focusing in either robotics or mechatronics, and then further down the line I plan to find a full-time job in one of these areas.”
The Study USA programme was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but with restrictions easing, the programme was able to proceed for the 2021/22 s academic year.
Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, said: “This has been a challenging year for our students, and we are delighted that they will be able to take part in the programme this coming academic year. They will join a growing alumnus of students to act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland and our institutions, developing important long-term links and connections between the two countries. Through international mobility programmes like Study USA, students enhance their employability skills and also obtain greater intercultural understanding, helping to prepare them for work in a global economy. We wish this year’s students every success, and trust that new connections and friendships will be developed in the year ahead.”
Study USA continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit nireland.britishcouncil.org or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Applications for Study USA 2022/23 will open in late Autumn.