Aoibheann McElwee, Laura Mason and Darren Finn from St Mary’s University College, Belfast are off to study in the USA this month.

The trio will be among sixty-one students from across Northern Ireland on the Study USA programme, which enables students to study business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) subjects for a year in American colleges, across twenty-eight states, helping to develop their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.

The British Council, which is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, manages Study USA on behalf of the Department for the Economy – and since its formation in 1994, the initiative has sent over two thousand students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States.

Aoibheann (22) from Magherafelt, is studying a BEd Primary Teaching with Religion, and is set for Davis & Elkins College, West Virginia.

Speaking ahead of her departure, she said, “I have always wanted to take part in the Study USA programme since I first heard about it in Secondary School, as I am fascinated with the American way of life and have visited many times. I will grasp all opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. I am confident and independent and therefore looking forward to exploring campus life and the surrounding areas. I look forward to representing St Mary’s University College, the British Council and Ireland.”

Meanwhile, Darren, a graduate in Liberal Arts with Business Studies, is heading to Carroll University in Wisconsin. “I am really looking forward to studying in the USA and experiencing American College life. At Carroll University I will be taking courses in Business to build on those I took at St Mary’s. The plan is to return next summer and enrol for a Masters in International Business at Queen’s University.”

Laura (22) hailing from Castlewellan, has just completed a degree in Liberal Arts with Physical Education. She will spend the next academic year at Saint Leo University in Florida.

She said: “I am extremely excited about travelling to the USA and embracing university life at Saint Leo University in Florida – especially getting the opportunity to find out what I have in common with other students and embracing any differences I encounter throughout my time there. I am ready to take on any opportunities offered to me through the programme and hope to form new friendships and optimise my career opportunities for the future. I really appreciate this opportunity through the British Council and would like to thank my lecturers and mentors at St Mary’s University College for their encouragement when applying for the programme. On completion of Study USA, I intend to return home and progress to a one-year PGCE in Primary Education.”

The Study USA programme was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but with current conditions, it has been decided that the programme can proceed this academic year.

John Brolly, Marketing and Communications Manager at St Mary’s University College, added: “It is a great opportunity for our students to experience not only the USA but also what it is like to study in colleges across different states. I wish Aiobheann, Darren and Laura every success in what will be a very exciting year ahead.”

Jonathan Stewart, Director of the British Council Northern Ireland, said, “This has been a challenging year for our students, and we are delighted that they will be able to take part in the programme this coming academic year. They will join a growing alumni of students to act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland and our institutions, developing important long-term links and connections between the two countries. Through international mobility programmes like Study USA, students are able to enhance their employability skills and also obtain greater intercultural understanding, helping to prepare them for work in a global economy. We wish this year’s students every success, and trust that new connections and friendships will be developed in the year ahead.”

Study USA continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit their website or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Applications for Study USA 2022/23 will open in late Autumn.