Minister congratulates Erasmus Essay Winner of the Year

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has congratulated Queen’s University student, Nuala McKay, on being announced as UK Erasmus Essay Winner of the Year 2009.

Erasmus is a European-funded student mobility programme which is managed in the UK by the British Council and supported by the Department for Employment and Learning as part of its international strategy. The programme addresses the teaching and learning needs of staff and students in Higher Education and provides support for Higher Education Institutions across Europe to work on shared projects including curriculum development and other areas.

Acknowledging Nuala’s outstanding success, the Minister said: “On behalf of the Department for Employment and Learning I would like to congratulate Nuala on being named UK Erasmus Essay Winner of the Year 2009. This is an excellent achievement and I am in no doubt that the experience will set Nuala in good stead for the world of work or continued study. I wish her every success in the future.”

The Minister added: “I urge other students who have the opportunity to undertake an Erasmus placement to seize the opportunity with both hands.”

Nuala, from Randalstown, undertook her seven month Erasmus placement in the North East of France as an English Language Assistant. This was the longest time Nuala had ever spent away from home and although nervous at first, she did not regret undertaking an Erasmus placement. In her winning essay entitled ‘Vive Erasmus!’ Nuala recounts the amazing experiences and the increased confidence she has gained as a result. As eloquently described by Nuala, her time in France under Erasmus truly was “mighty craic hi!”

Notes to editors:

1. The Erasmus Prize Competition is organised by the British Council on an annual basis. This year universities from across the UK were asked to submit their institution’s winning essay and photography portfolio that highlighted the three most important benefits of undertaking a period abroad with the Erasmus programme.
2. A photograph from the Erasmus reception, held at Stormont on 21 July, is available at: photo from Erasmus 2009 reception
3. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440.