Siobhan Kearney received last-minute advice about studying abroad at a pre-departure briefing at the University of Ulster Belfast Campus in Northern Ireland earlier this month before heading to Arcadia University. Kearney will study at Arcadia for a year as part of the Business Education Initiative.

“The British Council, which is the UK’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations, manages BEI on behalf of the Department for Employment and Learning. The students will study for a year in American colleges, where they will gain valuable international experience and business knowledge which will help to develop their management and leadership skills for their return to Northern Ireland and future careers,” reported the Newry Reporter on Aug. 5.

“The (eight) Newry students were part of a group of 100 Northern Ireland students who were chosen for the scholarships after undergoing a competitive selection process to take part in the prestigious programme.”