Minister welcomes international students to Stormont

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, welcomed 66 international students from 32 different countries to Northern Ireland this evening.

Hosting a reception at Parliament Buildings, the Minister greeted students taking part in the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Programme managed by the British Council.

The Programme sees the overseas students, all in scientific and technical disciplines, undertaking 10-week work placements for a period over the summer in Northern Ireland. A similar number of students from Northern Ireland are on placements in almost 38 countries worldwide.

Speaking to students at the reception, the Minister said: “I am delighted that you have decided to come to Northern Ireland to gain experience in your chosen profession. Students from previous years have recounted their positive experiences of Northern Ireland and I hope that the knowledge and experience gained during your placements will prove invaluable in your chosen career and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas.”

The IAESTE programme is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning in conjunction with local Universities and the British Council. Among the local companies who have taken students this year are InvestNI, White Young Green, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Translink and FG Wilson.

Highlighting the importance the Department for Employment and Learning attaches to the programme, the Minister concluded: “By bringing young people together from across the globe, it allows each of us an opportunity to not only share our learning experiences, but to sample and enjoy many different cultures. My Department remains committed to providing students with the opportunity to gain the international experience inside and outside Northern Ireland.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is a world-wide organisation encompassing 80 countries which provides students in higher education with course-related practical experience in another country. Since it was founded in 1948 it has accommodated over 300,000 exchanges.
2. IAESTE UK is based in the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. The British Council builds relationships and understanding between people in the UK and other countries and increases appreciation of the UK’s ideas and achievements overseas. It operates in 220 towns and cities in 110 countries and territories worldwide.
3. Northern Ireland sends and receives around 40% of the UK’s participating students.
4. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.