Entry is now open for a programme that offers students from Northern Ireland scholarships to spend a year studying business in the United States.
Study USA, formerly known as the Business Education Initiative, is managed by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy, and sees students gain valuable international experience and business knowledge, developing their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
Since its formation in 1994, the initiative has sent over 1800 students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States where they have successfully completed a year studying business at one of 140 institutions.
As part of last year’s programme, Hannah Conlon, a Law and Politics student at Queen’s University Belfast was named Student of the Year.
The 22-year-old from Lisburn, spent a year studying business at Hastings College, Nebraska and now hopes to use the experience to pursue every opportunity that comes her way in her final year.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the Belfast Harbour Commissioner's Office, she said: ““Spending nine unforgettable months studying at Hastings College, Nebraska has greatly developed my entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged me to always be on the lookout to challenge and push myself.
“Just two weeks after arriving home, I was offered an internship placement with one of Ireland’s top leading corporate law firms; something that I would not have applied for if I had not been involved in Study USA .
“Prior to my departure for the USA, I did not know that I would enjoy studying Business – it was not something that I had ever had the opportunity to study before, nor the inclination to explore, and yet, due to my participation in the Study USA programme, I am looking at Masters courses to take after I complete my Law degree.
“I would also like to study away from home if I do choose to pursue an MA course – Study USA has taught me that living in a new town or city can be extremely beneficial and that pursuing new experiences and opportunities can lead to the most incredible of experiences - All you have to do is have the courage to do so and battle through any doubts that you may have.”
Also speaking at the event was Jonathan Stewart, Deputy Director, British Council Northern Ireland.
He said: “Congratulations to all of this year's Study USA graduates. 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.
“Throughout its history Study USA has enabled students to become great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and strengthened cultural, economic and educational links and connections between the two countries."
Students interested in applying for next year’s programme can apply online now at http://nireland.britishcouncil.org. Deadline for Applications is 5pm, Monday, December 5 2016.
For more information on British Council Northern Ireland or Study USA, visit http://nireland.britishcouncil.org of follow on Twitter: @BCouncil_NI