Minister welcomes international students to Belfast Castle

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, welcomed 66 international students from 36 different countries to Northern Ireland this evening.

Hosting a reception at Belfast Castle, 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 work placements for a 10 week period during the summer in Northern Ireland. A similar number of students from Northern Ireland are on placements in almost 33 countries worldwide.

Speaking to students at the reception, the Minister said: “I am pleased 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 B/E Aerospace UK, White Young Green, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Translink and FG Wilson.

Mary McGeown, from the British Council in Northern Ireland speaking at the reception, said: “The British Council is committed to using international links to develop the knowledge economy here in Northern Ireland and in doing so, we know that we’re making a significant contribution to skills development in Northern Irish companies and in our higher education institutions. The IAESTE programme is a wonderful mechanism for us to use to achieve this.”

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 British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
2. They operate in 233 towns and cities in 110 countries and territories worldwide.
3. They build relationships and understanding between people in the UK and other countries and increase appreciation of the UK’s ideas and achievements overseas.
4. The areas they focus on are creativity, education and civil society.
5. They a non-political organisation which operates at arm’s length from government.
6. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
7. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.