26 July 2006
MINISTER WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO STORMONT
Employment and Learning Minister, Maria Eagle, welcomed 75 international students from 36 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 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 40 countries worldwide.
Speaking to students at the reception, the Minister said: "The fact that you have chosen to come to Northern Ireland to gain experience is an excellent reflection of the international standing the Northern Ireland education system enjoys abroad.
"The programme, which will provide both you and your employers with tangible benefits, is only possible with the continued support of the Northern Ireland universities and local employers."
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 Ferguson McIlveen, 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: "In the current climate of increasing globalisation, my Department also remains fully committed to continuing to provide international students with an opportunity to gain experience, and to enjoy an insight into education, research and industry on this island.
"The IAESTE programme, however, also benefits Northern Ireland, with local Further and Higher Education sectors building effective international relationships - relationships that will help local commerce and the economy as a whole."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- 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.
- 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.
- Northern Ireland sends and receives around 40% of the UK's participating students.
- Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning, Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
Click here to print this press release.
