For 30 years, the Study USA programme has been opening doors and changing the lives of Northern Ireland students. Launched in 1994 as the Business Education Initiative (BEI), the programme has sent over 2,500 students to the United States, offering them a year of study, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences.
Initially established to support the Northern Ireland peace process, with significant goodwill from US partners, Study USA has since become a transformative force. Beyond academia, it’s a programme that has expanded career opportunities, forged lasting friendships, led to business connections and even sparked transatlantic romances.
Managed by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy, Study USA has been more than just a year abroad — it’s been a life-altering journey for its alumni. Many have returned to Northern Ireland, applying the skills and insights gained in the US to build successful businesses and careers, while some have made the US their home, starting new lives and careers, but often demonstrating strong connections to the programme and Northern Ireland.
As the programme celebrates 30 years, its alumni continue to make their mark carrying with them the invaluable lessons learned and connections made. For them, Study USA was not just a year of study — it was the start of something much bigger.
Arron Armstrong took part in the programme in 1997-98, studying at the University of Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time he was a Politics and History student at Queen’s University Belfast. He now works as a freelance journalist at LBC and TRT World. He lives in London with his wife and seven-year-old twins.
"I always wanted to study abroad, but coming from a single-parent family, I never thought it would happen. So, the programme was a bit of a game-changer for me. I remember getting to the airport, meeting the three other students who were going with me to Indianapolis and being slightly apprehensive but also incredibly excited about what lay ahead. We laughed so much on that journey – and I knew I was going to be fine.
“My lasting memories are all about the people I met and the places I travelled to. The four of us became good friends and we shared some incredible experiences, like road trips to Chicago, and being homeless on New Years Eve in New York. I spent Christmas in Boston, Spring Break in Toronto with my Canadian friend, and another road trip in the West taking in LA, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. However, being taken around Indiana with local students to their hometowns, meeting their friends and family and seeing places I’d never otherwise have heard of, was also really special. It began a love affair with travelling which remains to this day.
“I was fortunate that so many opportunities were available during that year - many of which happened by chance. I gave a speech our international student coffee morning when it was our turn to tell everyone about Ireland. I didn’t take it too seriously, made a few jokes about potatoes and just tried to get a few cheap laughs, but it seemed to connect with people. Afterwards, a tutor approached me about representing the university at a public speaking competition. Typically, I left it to the last minute and sat up for most of the night before trying to get something on paper. I felt a bit out of my depth, but it went well, and gave me a big confidence boost. Little did I know, moments like that would have a significant impact on my career.
“I now work as news presenter at LBC and TRT World, having spent most of my career at the BBC and Sky. I managed to combine my love of travelling with work and have experienced things I could only have dreamed of when I first went to the US, but that year, without doubt, was the catalyst. Now I get to cover global news and politics with a big focus on the United States, which is what I was really interested in at university.
“Again, it’s not just about the work, it’s about the people I’ve met. The relationships I made along the way, whether that was classmates, mentors or chance encounters - they’ve all had a lasting impact on me. And now, I try to give something back by mentoring younger people in the media industry I was fortunate enough to be able to turn my passion into a career, and I’d encourage others to do the same. Be confident in your ability, put yourself out there, and take advantage of your opportunities – there’s a world of them out there. “
“I have experienced things I could only have dreamed of when I first went to the US, but that year, without doubt, was the catalyst.”
Marie-Claire McGreevy took part in the programme in 2012-2013, where she studied at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She is now a co-founder of MCO Performance, a strategy execution consultancy based in Belfast – working with clients like SANY Group and Northern Ireland Screen.
She said: " Before I went to the US, I was someone who always relied on being part of a group—whether it was in university or in my personal life. I never really stepped out on my own. But through Study USA everything shifted. I had to adjust to a completely new culture, environment, and educational system, and that pushed me to become much more independent. For the first time, I had to make decisions for myself and take responsibility for my actions, without relying on others to guide me. It was a huge step in building my self-confidence.
“Living in the US made me realise how much more there was to the world than just my bubble back home. I started to trust my own judgment and became more proactive in my own growth, whether it was through my studies or the personal experiences I sought out. I was traveling across the US, taking classes I wouldn't have imagined before, and meeting people from all over the world. The programme made me see that there's so much more out there for me, and it was up to me to go after it.
“When I came home from Study USA, I felt like a different person. I went on to do an MSc in Management at Ulster University, and from there, I worked for a couple of different organisations. Eventually, a job came up at the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall as a Marketing Campaigns Manager. I worked there for six years and was promoted to Head of Sales and Marketing as well as being awarded a place on the Professional Convention Management Association’s 20 in Their Twenties Programme which was presented at a ceremony in San Francisco. That role was a pivotal moment in my career, where I got to apply everything I had learned during my time in the US and build my confidence in a professional setting.
“Last year, my business partner Oonagh and I launched our own business, MCO Performance, and have just celebrated its first anniversary. We’ve already had the chance to work with fantastic clients like SANY Group and Northern Ireland Screen, helping businesses and individuals improve their performance through tailored coaching and commercial development programmes.
“Looking back on my business’s first year, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am without the knowledge and experiences, I gained through Study USA. It gave me the confidence to embrace leadership, to trust myself, and to take those first big steps. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come—and I know that a big part of that is thanks to the Study USA programme."
John McCaul (32), from Newry, took part in the Study USA programme in 2013-2014. He currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife Ashlyn and their two boys John Paschal (3) and baby Niall (2 months). John spent his year at Warren Wilson College, North Carolina. Speaking about the programme he said:
“When I went to Warren Wilson College, I didn’t just experience a different culture, but I found a community that would become my family. That's where I met Ashlyn, my wife, at a party in 2013. Our connection was instant, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
“We got married on St Patrick’s Day in 2018 at Ashlyn’s church in Parrottsville, Tennessee. My nanny and grandad, mum and brother, and some other family members had to watch virtually – but my brother was my best man and I had my dad and a whole bunch of friends from Newry and university there, alongside our friends from Warren Wilson. It was amazing, a true fusion of our lives coming together. There was a traditional Irish blessing during the ceremony, a nod to my roots, which was a beautiful moment that really tied everything together.
“Life in the US has been a journey full of milestones. In 2023, Ashlyn and I settled into life in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she teaches US Government, and I’ve worked my way up from a front desk clerk at a hotel to a management position. We’ve been blessed with two wonderful children. Our son, John Paschal is three and a half now, and he's full of energy and curiosity. Our second son, who is just whose now two months old, is already showing signs of being just as alert and curious as his brother. It’s such a joy to be a father, and I feel incredibly lucky to watch them grow up.
“Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. I miss home sometimes, especially the familiarity of Ireland—the beautiful landscapes and, of course, the sea. I miss the connection to my family and the culture, but my life here in the U.S. has become my home. Still, I cherish the memories of Ireland, and whenever I can, I visit. My grandfather, who passed away just before John Paschal was born, was a huge influence on me, and I feel lucky to carry his name and legacy forward with my son. His memory, along with the memories of other family members, continues to guide me. I miss them, but they are always with me in spirit.
"We’ve been very lucky. I guess we’re living what people call the ‘American dream.’ But even though we’ve made our home here, we haven’t shut the door on moving back to Northern Ireland eventually. It’s incredible to think how much Study USA has shaped me and helped me create a life I’m proud of. It really changed everything for me."
Karen Delgado took part in the Study USA programme back in 1996-97 – studying at the University of Evansville in Indiana. Here she developed a passion for business and met her future husband. She now runs her own company in Belfast, specialising in leadership coaching and consultancy.
Speaking about her time on the programme, she said: “At the time, back in 1996, we had limited internet and no social media, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I went into it with an open mind and an open heart ready for the experience. It was the first time I’d studied business in a formal setting, and it unlocked a whole new world. I had originally thought I wanted to be a geography teacher, but the business courses, especially in international law and marketing, completely captivated me. I hadn’t experienced that way of teaching and it set me on a completely new path.
“If I hadn’t gone on the programme, I think I would have been a young woman from West Belfast who was afraid to spread her wings, but the Study USA programme broadened my worldview in a way that I believe I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“I met my husband while on the programme. and we’ve lived in both the US and Northern Ireland over the years, and our two daughters have had the privilege of growing up with this international perspective. They’ve lived abroad and travelled to places like South America and the US, and I can see how that’s shaped their views of the world. They feel much more like international children and I’m proud of their global outlook and how they’ve shaping their own futures.
“In terms of my career, the programme had a huge impact. After my year in the US, I went on to pursue postgraduate qualifications in marketing become a Chartered Marketer, and I began working in external-facing roles locally and internationally. A significant part of my career has been at Ulster University, in various corporate roles, with my last one being as director of engagement, where I created and managed partnerships between the university and the business community. This included everything from strategic partnerships to philan
thropic scholarship programmes for students—something that really resonated with me, because I believe in creating opportunities for others, just as I was given the chance through Study USA to explore my potential.
“Now, I run my own coaching business, where I specialise in leadership and team coaching. I work with individuals, particularly those in leadership transition, helping them understand what kind of leaders they want to be and how to navigate the challenges of leading in often complex organisations.
“Looking back, it’s clear that the Study USA programme has had a profound impact on my life. It wasn’t just about a year abroad—it was the catalyst for everything that came after. It gave me the tools to think globally, to work internationally, and to help others see the world through a different lens. It was the impetus that cultivated my curiosity of others and the importance of building strong and lasting relationships throughout my career.
Mark Owens (45) is originally from Derry~Londonderry, and took part in the programme from 1998-99. He now lives in Cleveland Ohio with his wife Maria and his two kids: Eamon and Lillian. He is a past student of Belfast Metropolitan College and studied BSc Fashion and Production Management. He now works for Team NEO (Northeast Ohio Region) and is the first-ever Honorary Consul of Ireland for Ohio.
“At the time of applying to the programme, I thought it was just a way to pad out my CV and help me get a job when I returned home to Derry. I was working at the Desmond’s clothing factory and saw it as a great way to get onto their leadership programme, so my intention was to stay for just the nine months. But somewhere along the way, I realised that this experience was opening doors I hadn’t anticipated. Halfway through the year, I saw the opportunities here and knew I wasn’t just preparing to go back home—I was creating a future in the US.
“When I returned to Derry, the American dream was always on my mind. I started interviewing for jobs in the US, and I was lucky enough to land a role at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. It turned out to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. They enrolled me in their management training programme, and it taught me everything about business — setting the foundation for a career in leadership. From there, I kept progressing, and there was no looking back.
“A year later, I met my wife, Maria, and we’ve now built a life together with our two kids—Lillian and Eamon. As time went on, I found myself more deeply embedded in the Irish community in Cleveland. I got roped into playing for the local GAA club, Cleveland St. Pat’s, and even started hosting an Irish radio show for a few years. It was something I never expected, but over time, I became more involved in Irish culture and traditions. One of my biggest regrets is not learning the Irish language.
“The university I attended — John Carroll University — had an amazing alumni programme, which had a lasting impact on me. In fact, it’s the first place I took my daughter for her first college visits. She’s a junior in high school now and starting to think about her college options.
“Even though I became a US citizen in 2011, I still feel more Irish than ever. I introduce myself as Irish, and I’ll always fly the Irish flag first. I try to go home at least three or four times a year, and I was back in Derry with my family over Christmas. I’m always looking for ways to connect Ohio to Northern Ireland through my job and will be bringing a delegation to Belfast in early April exploring business opportunities and ways to strengthen ties between Northeast Ohio.
“The connection between business, education, and culture remains important to me, and I was honoured to be appointed as the first-ever Honorary Consul to Ohio in 2023, helping to foster those connections.
“Looking back, the Study USA programme was life changing. I never intended to stay in the US long-term, but that experience gave me the chance to view the world differently and altered the course of my career. The programme was the catalyst for everything that followed.”
Daniella Timperley applied to Study USA while studying for a degree in Broadcast Production at Queen’s University Belfast and spent a year at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas in 2021-22. She now works as a Freelance Assistant Director in Film & TV.
"I've always loved travelling and visited my family in the US many times, but I never thought I’d be able to afford studying there. This scholarship broke down financial barriers and gave me an amazing opportunity to gain more independence and live in a new place.
“Studying at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas was something I'll always cherish. Immersing myself in American culture was such a fun experience! From attending college basketball and baseball games to trying southern food like biscuits and gravy, to enjoying campus activities like shows, volleyball tournaments, and food trucks – it was all unforgettable.
“The international community at Ozarks made a huge difference. It helped me settle in and feel less alone. I talk a lot about the community aspect of US college life because it really stood out to me. You get to know so many people and see them daily. When I struggled with the food, my friends would cook me dishes from their countries, and when I was sick, they’d show up at my dorm with Gatorade and soup. It was so supportive and lovely.
“While at college, I joined the media team, which involved operating cameras at sports games and vision mixing live streams. It was a new experience, but I was able to apply skills I had learned back in Belfast. It kept me focused outside of classes.
“Before leaving for the US, I worked on my first feature film, Dungeons and Dragons with Paramount Pictures, as a Trainee Assistant Director. Since returning from Arkansas, I've continued my career in Film & TV, working as a Base Production Assistant on projects like the live-action How to Train Your Dragon.
“Study USA helped me build my networking skills and confidence. When you’re alone in a new place, you’re forced to make connections, which was something I struggled with before. In the film industry, making a good impression and networking is everything, so being able to connect with people from all backgrounds, ages, and departments has been crucial to my career."
Also speaking about the programme was Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland. He said: “Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Study USA programme has significantly impacted Northern Ireland students, providing invaluable opportunities for academic, cultural, and career growth. Alumni, now ambassadors, innovators, and future leaders, continue to shape both local and global communities. Many remain deeply connected to Northern Ireland, using their international experiences to foster business, education, and cultural ties back home. As global connections become increasingly vital, the programme's alumni play a crucial role in building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating lasting opportunities for future generations in Northern Ireland.”
British Council Northern Ireland is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Study USA with "30 Years: 30 Stories." Explore how the programme has positively impacted and transformed the lives of alumni over the decades. To read these stories, visit their website: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/celebrating-30-years-study-usa-alumni-stories
Study USA continues the British Council’s work to foster connection, understanding, and trust between the UK and the world through education, arts, and English language teaching. To learn more about their work in Northern Ireland, visit https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/ or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.