Three Donegal students set for American adventure on US Scholarship programme

Three Donegal Law students are heading off on the adventure of a lifetime this month after being accepted onto a US Scholarship programme.

Queen’s University Belfast students Alwyn Jimmy, Harry Boyce and Elle Ward are among 56 students 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 home.

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 studying in Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States.

Harry, who is from Moville and went to Moville Community College, currently studies Law with Politics, and is heading to Bellarmine University in Kentucky; while Elle, a past student at Carndonagh Community School, will be swapping Malin Head for Pennsylvania, as she spends her year at Arcadia University.

Also travelling to Pennsylvania is Alywn from Letterkenny, a former St Eunan's College pupil, who will enrol at Saint Vincent College.

“I applied to the programme as I felt it was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Elle said. “Throughout the year, I hope to make good friends and memories, gain valuable knowledge and most importantly, have a great time.”

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.”