Study USA, formerly known as the Business Education Initiative, is managed by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy. It gives students an opportunity to gain valuable international experience and business knowledge to develop their career prospects on their return to Northern Ireland. when they return to Northern Ireland.
Since the initiative started back in 1994, over 2000 students from Northern Ireland have secured scholarships to travel to the United States to complete an academic year studying business at one of 140 institutions.at La Roche University in Pennsylvania.
Northern Regional College Engineering student Alphie Clarke from Ballymoney, secured a place on the 2021/22 Study USA programme and is currently at La Roche University in Pennsylvania. Alphie completed a Level 3 Diploma in Electronic and Electrical Engineering before progressing to do a Foundation Degree at the College in Ballymena. On his return from the States, he hopes to find an engineering apprenticeship, focusing in either robotics or mechatronics and in the longer term, his plan is to secure employment in one of these areas.
He is one of 61 students currently on the Study USA programme which is open to students at Northern Ireland’s FE Colleges and universities.
Commenting on the Study USA programme, Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland commented said: “Year on year we find that those who take part in the programme not only enhance their employability skills but also develop intercultural skills, which helps them to prepare to work in a global economy.
“Since 1994, Study USA has enabled students to become great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and helped strengthen cultural, economic and educational links and connections between the two countries. I would encourage those from a range of subjects to apply as you never know where this opportunity may lead.”
Students interested in applying for the 2022-23 programme can find the full eligibility criteria and apply online now at http://nireland.britishcouncil.org.
The deadline for applications for Higher Education Institutions is Monday, November 15 November 2021 while students at Further Education Institutions have until Monday, January 22 2022 to apply.
For more information on British Council Northern Ireland or Study USA, visit http://nireland.britishcouncil.org of follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.