Applications are now open for an exchange programme that offers students from Northern Ireland technical experience overseas.
IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience), sees students from all scientific and technical disciplines, undertake work placements across the globe during the summer months.
Students could find themselves working in a wide range of areas, from cutting edge electronics in Japan, to earthquake detection technology in Colombia, with the skills they gain significantly contributing to their future employment prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
The programme, which is managed by British Council Northern Ireland, is open to degree level science, engineering, technology and applied arts students in the second year of study and above. The majority of traineeships take place in the summer months, although longer periods are also available.
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.”
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.
To apply for IAESTE visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/iaeste/ - deadline for applications is Thursday, November 27 2014. For more information on programmes available through British Council Northern Ireland visit nireland.britishcouncil.org.