For three decades, the Study USA programme has played a significant role in Northern Ireland's economic development, fostering international connections, and cultivating a pool of globally minded talent. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, we spotlight its impact on Northern Ireland’s business ecosystem and its role in strengthening the relationship between Northern Ireland and the United States.
Launched in 1994 with endorsement from the White House to aid the peace process, Study USA has helped Northern Ireland develop a competitive, internationally orientated workforce. Every year, 60 students from Northern Ireland’s universities and colleges spend a transformative year studying at one of 140 partner institutions across the US.
Funded by the Department for the Economy and managed by the British Council, the programme aims to create a competitive, internationally oriented workforce. Economy Minister Conor Murphy emphasized the programme’s broader benefits: “The US is one of our most important trading partners and sources of foreign direct investment, as well as the largest international employer in the north." He adds, "By fostering deeper connections with the US for over 30 years, the programme has helped to strengthen cultural, educational and economic links. It provides young people with employability skills and an international outlook that we know are vital in today's interconnected business world and in developing our economy."
Study USA alumnus Mark Owens, who became the first Honorary Consul of Ireland in Ohio in 2023, exemplifies the programme’s long-term impact. He spent a year at John Carroll University in Ohio in 1998, forging lasting connections that shaped his career. He says: “The warm welcome I received in August 1998 set the stage for what would become my home in the US. I remain actively engaged with Northern Irish companies exploring opportunities in the US, often facilitating connections for them."
Global leadership consultant Tessa Breslin, founder of Breslin Consulting, highlights how the programme broadens career horizons. "Study USA was a transformative experience for me, opening up a career path in organisational psychology that I didn't know existed. It paved the way for me to live and work in New York and catalysed a desire to give back to Northern Ireland at this stage of my career."
Since its inception, over 2,500 students have participated in the programme. With annual US funding exceeding $2 million, American institutions acknowledge the mutual benefits of this cultural exchange. Study USA graduates are sought after by both local and global companies. Alumni have secured positions with leading firms like Citigroup, PwC, EY, and innovative local companies such as Almac, Randox Laboratories, and PlotBox. Hayden Stewart, an Operational Risk Manager at Citi, spent a year at Millikin University in Illinois. He emphasises the breadth of the programme's impact on his career. "Study USA was a gamechanger: it cultivated self-reliance, a global perspective, and a 'can-do' attitude that set me apart in the job market and opened doors to international work opportunities. The skills I developed have been invaluable."
The programme has also fostered a strong alumni network. Hayden tells us, “Study USA doesn’t just educate – it creates a network of globally-minded professionals driving economic growth.”
Study USA has expanded its scope over the years, moving beyond business and STEM disciplines to include a broader range of subjects. The 2024-2025 cohort features the most diverse selection of subjects in the programme’s history, including creative industries, which are increasingly important to Northern Ireland’s economy. Katie Murphy, a fashion production and business student at Belfast Metropolitan College, spent a year at Ohio Wesleyan University and completed two internships in New York. She told us, “I feel much better prepared for establishing my career, have a renewed sense of creativity, practical experience, and a global perspective on the fashion industry."
The inclusion of students from further education colleges alongside university undergraduates has broadened the programme’s reach. As Study USA enters its fourth decade, it continues to evolve, reflecting the full spectrum of Northern Ireland’s talent. For young people in Northern Ireland, Study USA represents an opportunity for personal growth, academic achievement, and the development of a global mindset that is essential in today’s competitive job market.
Jonathan Stewart, Director of the British Council Northern Ireland, encourages potential applicants to see the programme as an investment in both their future and Northern Ireland’s economy. He notes, “Study USA alumni are more than just graduates - they are ambassadors, innovators and future leaders." He concludes: "As we look to the future, and in an era where global connections are more important than ever, this programme continues to build bridges, foster understanding, and create opportunities."