Eighteen students from across Northern Ireland will spend this summer gaining technical experience overseas.
They’ve been selected to take part in IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience), an exchange programme which sees students from all scientific and technical disciplines undertake work placements across the globe during the summer months.
Hailing from both Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, the students will find themselves working in countries as diverse as South Korea, the Czech Republic and the United States, with the skills they gain significantly contributing to their future employment prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
Prior to their departure, the students recently received last minute advice and information at Queen’s University Belfast, before preparing to spend the summer abroad.
IAESTE is managed by British Council Northern Ireland and is open to degree level science, engineering, technology and applied arts students in the second year of study and above.
Speaking about the programme, David Alderdice, British Council Director in Northern Ireland, said: “International business connections and partnerships are vital for economic success and growth. Exchange programmes like IAESTE facilitate these connections by sending out our future business leaders into the international marketplace to gain international experience and build partnerships for success.
“This kind of work experience enhances independence and flexibility as well as communication and foreign language skills, and contributes to personal and academic development. Employers know that if students have successfully overcome the challenges brought on by international work experience, they will stand out from the crowd at interview.
“I wish this year’s entire cohort the best of luck and every success in their future careers.”
IAESTE runs in more than 80 member countries, with over 4000 traineeships exchanged each year and is the largest organisation of its kind in the world. It is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in conjunction with local universities and the British Council.
Applications for IAESTE 2016 will open in autumn. For more information visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/iaeste/ or to find out about other programmes available through British Council Northern Ireland visit http://nireland.britishcouncil.org.