The 30th cohort of students selected for the programme from Ulster University, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, Queen’s University Belfast, St Mary’s University College, and Stranmillis University College, will spend the next academic year studying in American universities and colleges, across 22 states.
Starting in 1994, the flagship programme was originally designed to assist with the peace process, with the White House providing an endorsement for the programme in 2014 in a letter written by President Bill Clinton.
Since then, the programme, which is managed by the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, on behalf of the Department for the Economy, has enabled over 2500 students studying in Northern Ireland to spend a full academic year at one of 140 partner institutions spread across the US from Washington state to Florida, and Nebraska to Texas.
Now celebrating its 30th year, Study USA is open to pre-final year students studying at Northern Ireland Higher Education and Further Education institutions. The programme has adapted over the years and now extends beyond business and STEM related subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), giving students the opportunity to study a combination of subjects related to their home degree, as well as modules in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Communications, Marketing and PR, Human Resources and Foreign Languages.
The immersive nature of the programme helps students to develop a broad range of academic and interpersonal skills, as well as a global outlook, which enhances their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
This year’s cohort of students are studying a wide range of subjects, including Criminology, Environmental Science, Music Production, Law, and Engineering.
Ulster University student Dylan Hunter from Magherafelt is studying Sociology with Politics and International Studies and is heading to Rosemont College, Pennsylvania. He said:
“I am thrilled to be a part of the 30th cohort of the prestigious Study USA programme. This exceptional opportunity for young people, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, will give me a unique chance to enhance my career prospects and develop key skills while contributing to my educational and personal development.
“I hope to experience a successful year in the US in terms of activities both on and off campus, studying subjects I love such as politics and history but also taking time to pursue personal passions such as travelling and supporting live music."
Mechatronic Engineering student Martin will swap Ulster University for Otterbein University in Ohio, while fellow Ulster University student Jeanne Angela, who is studying Language and Linguistics,will spend the next academic year at Albright College in Pennsylvania. Ahead of her departure she said:
“Before starting my course, I underwent major surgery, and my recovery took longer than expected. During this period, I had to pause my studies and quit my part-time job. When I began university, I decided to explore various opportunities, and Study USA caught my attention. Initially, I felt intimidated by this incredible scholarship, but as I progressed through the application process, my confidence grew, and I acquired new skills. This opportunity will undoubtedly enhance my CV and employability. Living away from home will foster independence, personal growth, cultural immersion, and global perspective during my year in the US. Additionally, the scholarship has connected me with people from diverse backgrounds, and I’m looking forward to further networking opportunities during my year in the US.”
Study USA is highly regarded within the network of 140 partner institutions across the USA and continues to receive significant support, with annual funding from the USA in excess of $2 million.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy said:
“The Study USA programme has helped to strengthen cultural, educational and economic links with the US. It provides young people with employability skills and an international outlook that are vital in developing our economy.
“Through their ambassadorial role, Study USA participants promote positive perceptions of the North, which in turn helps attract visitors from the US, contributing to the tourism and hospitality industry and increased spending across various sectors.
“I wish our students taking part this year all the very best on what I’m sure will be a great experience.”
Speaking about the opportunity ahead for this year’s cohort Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, commented:
“The Study USA programme is a unique opportunity for an intercultural experience through a year living in the US that greatly enhances the employability skills of the students taking part and helps prepare them for work in a global economy. It’s an honour to be working in partnership with the Department for the Economy again for the 30th year to deliver this life-changing programme for young people in Northern Ireland.
“As well as enhancing their academic capabilities students gain new skills in an international setting, learn from diverse cultural perspectives, build long lasting connections, and develop the intercultural skills and international outlook that employers in Northern Ireland are looking for.Many of the students from previous years have gone on to work for employers in Northern Ireland with US and global links.
“This year our 30th cohort of students will be spread across 22 US states. We know that they will be great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and wish them every success for their exciting year ahead in the US.”
Applications for Study USA for 2025-26 will open in September 2024.
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.