Co Down students set for American adventure on US Scholarship programme

County Down students from Newry, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel are set for an adventure of a lifetime this month after being accepted onto a US Scholarship programme.

They are among 56 students from across Northern Ireland on the prestigious Study USA programme.

It enables students to study business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related subjects in American colleges, across 22 States.

And participation will help to promote 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.

Since its formation in 1994, the initiative has sent over 2000 students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States.

Newry students Padraig Clancy and Kayla Woods are both currently studying at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Padraig, who is currently a Business Economics Student, is heading to Saint Bonaventure University in New York.

And Kayla, who studies Business Management, will spend her year at Austin College in Texas.

Meanwhile, Ellen Fegan, also from Newry, is a Human Resources student at Ulster University and is off to Otterbein University in Ohio.

Speaking ahead of their departure, Kayla said: “I applied to the Study USA programme to experience daily life and the education system of another country.

“I also wanted to make myself more employable, meet new people and form new international connections.

“I hope to come out of this experience with more confidence. Embarking on this adventure on my own will also change my perspective on the business world and inspire my future career choice.”

Joining them on the programme is Ellen Sloan from Warrenpoint, a Primary Education student at Stranmillis University College, who will enrol at the College of Saint Benedicts, Minnesota.

Matthew Chestnutt from Kilkeel, a Business Information student, will swap Queen’s University for Central Methodist University in Missouri.

Ellen said: “During my time at university I have lived at home and wanted to step out of my comfort zone and have a totally different university experience.

“Due to studying Primary education and having placements every year I didn’t have same opportunities as other students, so jumped at this once in a lifetime opportunity to move abroad and study.

“Study USA will allow me to gain first-hand experience of the vast cultures and traditions of America.

“This programme will also enhance my attractiveness to future employers and possible teaching opportunities in the Middle East.

“It will also allow me to travel across the US and build friendships and memories for life.”

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.

“This is 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.

“This will prepare them for working for employers in Northern Ireland in the future. This year our students will be spread across 22 US states.

“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 https://www.nireland.britishcouncil.org