2 August 2001

UNITED STATES BROADENS STUDENTS’ HORIZONS - FARREN

The United States awaits 165 of Northern Ireland’s ambitious students who, this week, are about to jet off and take up their places on the Training & Employment Agency’s prestigious Business Education Initiative (BEI).

The students from Northern Ireland’s colleges and universities will spend the next academic year at one of over 100 US church colleges and affiliated universities. Today they joined together in the Europa Hotel for their final briefing session prior to departure.

Students join the programme each year from a wide range of subject disciplines and for many, BEI is their first exposure to the study of Business and Management subjects. The skills and experience they develop in the United States help to broaden their own career goals, with many going on to enter business and management related positions following the completion of their studies.

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren, said: "I wish to congratulate all the students who have secured places on the Business Education Initiative and who are about to take up their places in United States colleges. In joining the Programme they are showing a willingness to seek educational and developmental opportunities beyond our shores. These opportunities will broaden their horizons and benefit not only themselves personally, but also the future of Northern Ireland."

Chief Executive of the Training & Employment Agency, Mr Ian Walters, said in his closing address to the group: "The challenge for each of you is to absorb what you learn and experience in America and put this to use when you return and during your career. We often talk of the new perspective you will gain on world events, not least of all the chance to perhaps gain a personal understanding of how you can contribute to the development of our own economy. This is your chance to do some ‘free-thinking’ in an entrepreneurial and ‘can do’ culture."