14/09/2016

US Intern Placement Programme Launches In Belfast

A new student placement initiative, providing J1 work visas and support for 40 third-year students seeking quality, relevant, one-year paid internships in the United States has been launched at the City Hall in Belfast.

Officially launching the programme, Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston said: "This initiative will help students achieve their full potential in their personal, academic and business lives and it will strengthen links with our Sister City Boston – so it will benefit Belfast as a whole."

Ronnie Millar, Executive Director of the Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC), said: "The IIIC has many years of experience in leading international exchange programmes between Northern Ireland and the United States, and this partnership is going to build upon that work.

"Over the past eight years, we have worked with the business community in Boston to create excellent intern opportunities. This is a great investment in the future of Northern Ireland as students return home with greater confidence, and new technical and leadership skills."

Damian McGivern from Ulster University said: "This new initiative will provide more opportunities for Ulster University students to develop their skills and knowledge on an international stage. It will also offer US companies access to highly skilled student talent who will inject enthusiasm, dedication and creativity into the workforce."

(MH/JP)

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