They are among 56 students from across Northern Ireland on the prestigious Study USA programme, which enables students to study business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related subjects in American colleges, across 22 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 2000 students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States.
Brid Peoples from the village of Claudy and Maeve McHugh, from Magherafelt, both study Law at Queen’s University Belfast. Brid will spend her year at the University of Indianapolis, Indiana; while Maeve is off to Carroll University in Wisconsin.
Speaking ahead of their departure, Maeve said: “I applied to Study USA for a new experience, getting to attend an American college and travel in the States. I know people who had participated in the programme previously and loved it. Ultimately through the programme I hope to make new friends and have new experiences.”
Also taking part are North West Regional College students Dylan Copland and Leo Griffiths, who are both heading to Illinois. Dylan, from the village of Drumahoe, currently studies Film and Television Production and will enrol at Monmouth College, while Derry student Leo, a Software Development student, is heading to Mckendree University.
Dylan said: “Study USA is an amazing opportunity and to be one out of 56 students from the colleges and universities in Northern Ireland is fantastic. I applied to the programme as I wanted to build on my employability and independence away from home, as well as build up a level of knowledge within the business sector. Through the programme, I hope to gain valuable essential skills and qualities from the variety of classes I will attend, in order to bring new life and growth into Northern Ireland’s economy, all while promoting Northern Ireland in good light to my peers.”
Also commenting on the programme, Jonathan Stewart, Director British Council Northern Ireland said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Department for the Economy to deliver Study USA, a prestigious scholarship programme that has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1994.
“Study USA greatly enhances the employability skills of the students taking part in the programme, with many returning to work in Northern Ireland for employers with US and global links. Students get an opportunity to connect with another country, to really get to understand that country through living there for a year, and update their CV by developing new skills in an international setting. While in the US, the students will have the opportunity to enhance their academic skills but also to develop their people and intercultural skills that will prepare them for working for employers in Northern Ireland in the future. This year our students will be spread across 22 US states and we hope that they will build valuable links and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
“We know that this year’s students will be great ambassadors for Northern Ireland. We wish them every success for the exciting year ahead and we look forward to welcoming them back to celebrate the class of 2024 next year.”
Applications for Study USA for 2024-25 will open in September 2023. To find out more about the programme, and eligibility criteria visit: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa
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 the British Council’s work in Northern Ireland visit nireland.britishcouncil.org or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.