Former Ballymena pupils off to the US on Scholarship programme

They will be among 48 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 28 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.

Eimear and Emma are both ex-pupils of St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena. Eimear, who currently studies Law at Queen’s University Belfast will spend the next year at Presbyterian College, South Carolina, while Emma, a Psychology student at Ulster University is off to Illinois College in Illinois.

Speaking ahead of her departure, Eimear (20) said: “I have always wanted to live in the US and felt that Study USA would be a great way to make new friends, while studying in a different culture. I’m especially excited to learn a different way of life, as well as experiencing a different teaching environment.

“I hope through the programme to learn new aspects of business so I can increase my employability skills. When I return home my plan is to finish final year and hopefully get a job in a law firm, where I can use the skills I developed in the US.”

Meanwhile, Matthew (20), a former pupil at Ballymena Academy is at Queen’s University Belfast studying Law and Politics. He is heading to Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania.

He said: “Study USA was an opportunity I’d heard about when in my first year of university but was never something I thought I would be fortunate enough to be selected for. When applications opened for this round, I decided to just go for it; it sounded like a fantastic opportunity to study a different subject abroad. I think my experience of being at university completely online during Covid-19 also encouraged me to apply as the programme allows me to experience another year of university in person.

“Living in a different social and cultural environment for a year will also help me consider and see other perspectives outside of Northern Ireland, allowing me to develop a more international understanding of the world.”

Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, said: ““We’re delighted to continue this important partnership with the Department of Economy to deliver Study USA, a prestigious programme that has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2014.

“Study USA is a great way for Northern Ireland students to connect with another country, to really get to understand that country through living there for a year, and enhance their CV by developing new skills in an international setting. While in the US, the students will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in their field, developing intercultural skills that will prepare them for working in a global economy. Most importantly, our students will build links with counterparts in the United States that will last a lifetime.

“We know that this year’s students will be great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and we wish them every success for the exciting year ahead.”