Overseas students arrive in NI

Around 70 overseas students have arrived in Northern Ireland as part of the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Programme.

Under the programme, students from 37 different countries are undertaking work experience over the summer across the province, while almost 100 students from Northern Ireland are on placements in 47 countries worldwide.

The students, all enrolled in scientific and technical disciplines, are working in companies as diverse as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, BBC Northern Ireland and Graham Martin.

Welcoming the students to Parliament Buildings in Belfast, Will Haire, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, said: “I am especially delighted you have all come to gain valuable experience in Northern Ireland. This is an indication of the international standing enjoyed by our education system and its increasing links with the industrial sector.

“The knowledge and experience gained through your placements will prove valuable in your chosen career path and be of long term benefit to everyone involved.”

Organised by the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, the 2004 programme has seen Northern Ireland play host to over 70 students from 37 countries throughout North and South America, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. Since it was founded in 1948 it has accommodated over 300,000 exchanges.

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