Gerald Wickham, Dominican University, Illinois (Sports & Leisure Studies at University of Ulster, Jordanstown)
“BEI definitely influenced my choice of career once I graduated. It motivated me to pursue work in higher education. I even met my wife while at Dominican University! I received my Masters Degree here too, and have worked the past 7 years in higher education. I speak about the programme often and always mention it to my University colleagues. It was the opportunity of a lifetime! Inspiring!”  

Karen McCormack, Kendall College, Illinois  (Hospitality Management, University of Ulster, Jordanstown)
“BEI has definitely improved my communication skills, and given me a more positive, can do attitude.  Upon my return I found that was more likely to look for solutions and had become so much more proactive in all that I would do. My US classes were amazing!  I was able to take courses which were not available at home, and the class in Event Management provided knowledge which is transferable in any job that I do. An incredibly worthwhile experience which money cannot buy!"

Chris Hunter, Lindenwood University, Missouri (Information Management, Queen’s University Belfast)

“My BEI experience was a somewhat defining point in my life so far.  It rounded me out as an employable person, balancing a strong technical background with enough business knowledge to provide an impressive array of skills to any IT Dept.  The Business element to my CV, as a direct result of my BEI-sponsored education in America and the associated internships, was definitely beneficial to me and led to me performing more of a liaison role with clients as well as just straight software development.”

Tony Allen, Morningside College, Iowa (Finance and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast)
“Ten years on I still think about my BEI year as if it was yesterday; the friends, the experiences, the confidence and most importantly the chance to try different things are what the BEI did for me.  Throughout my year I did things that I never thought possible or even dreamt about and have been back on many occasions to the college and Iowa is for sure my second home. The biggest thing that I got from the BEI was my ability to talk to anyone, and be confident and not worried about what others think or say.  Thanks BEI for helping me become the person that I am today.”

Jill Culbertson, Wesley College, Delaware (Business Studies, University of Ulster, Jordanstown)
“I still, even after almost 10 years, consider the experience the best experience and year of my life. The experience provided me with the confidence in myself and the ability to sell myself which I lacked before the BEI. The chance to widen my perspective on the world and my outlook on the events in Northern Ireland was phenomenal and something that I would push and encourage others to do.”

Victoria Graham, Montreat College, North Carolina (Communication, Advertising & Marketing, UUJ )

“My BEI year was a life enhancing experience, and I can’t believe that a year work placement would have been anymore beneficial.  I met some fantastic and inspiring people and still am a regular visitor to the college and the state of North Carolina.  The place itself was awe-inspiring, and I will never forget standing on Chimney Rock overlooking Lake Lure and the fantastic landscape, watching eagles soar.  For those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience this, you can watch the closing scenes of “Last of the Mohicans” which was filmed at this location.  Nothing can prepare you for coming face to face with a black bear or watching a beaver built its lodge.  I talk about BEI constantly and am constantly planning trips back to visit.”

Aoife Gallagher, Martin Methodist College, Tennessee (Business Studies, University of Jordanstown)

“The BEI programme certainly stands out as being one of the most memorable years of my life. Going from the city to the deep south was definitely a culture shock however immersing myself in a different environment opened my eyes as well as ascertaining my career path. I worked in the US after graduating and believe my BEI experience has equipped me greatly in my chosen career and it is always a talking point at interviews.”

Clare Gallagher, Saint Leo University, Florida (Sport, Exercise & Leisure Studies, University of Ulster, Jordanstown)

“BEI has had an immense impact on my life. Having gained invaluable experience through internships and study in Florida I was able to acquire the job I am in now. I have developed great friendships and visit Florida regularly. College provided me with a broader perspective of life and helped me embrace different cultures and lifestyles. I was also able to give back to my college and educate my American friends on life in Northern Ireland. I would recommend BEI to anyone; this programme really will change your life

Ciaran Devenney University of Dubuque, Iowa (Fine and Applied Arts, University of Ulster, Belfast)

“First of all, my experience on BEI opened me up to a new culture, new experiences, new philosophies, and the types of training and learning processes that I had never before encountered. Secondly, it blew up my social skills. Communicating with people became much easier and having a ‘charming’ Irish accent opened more doors than I could dream of.

I use these skills every day when my job is to earn the trust of whom ever may be in front of me. Once I earn that trust, they listen to me. Knowing what you’re talking about also helps a great deal. The BEI experience helped me to focus on who I am and where and who I wanted to be and it was through BEI that I even met my wife! It would be impossible for me to be in this great place today with the BEI experience.”

John Coey, Warren Wilson College, North Carolina (Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast)

“BEI was a fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity. Studying, living and socialising in a different cultural setting, alongside people from a wide variety of backgrounds, was a truly uplifting and inspiring experience. It assisted in substantially developing my communication and interpersonal skills which are pivotal in my current role as a project manager. I would encourage any young individual searching for a different perspective on life to partake in this worthwhile scheme”.

Adam Adams Pikeville College, Kentucky (HND Computer Studies, Fermanagh College)
“My BEI experience completely changed my life.  At my placement college I met my wife and through the program I made lots of friends, many of whom I still keep in contact with today.  I am now living in West Virginia as a permanent resident with my wife, Kristi and my son, Sean Patrick.  My experience gained with the program not only gave me a better sense of direction in life but many other skills that I wouldn’t have had obtained at my home college such as living independently of family and adapting to the new environment and culture of the area I was placed in.”

Ann Rooney Millsaps College, Mississippi (Law and Accountancy, Queen’s University Belfast)
“BEI changed my attitude to other cultures and nationalities, particularly Americans.  I don’t believe the stereotypes anymore.  Now I know some good things about other cultures that I didn’t know before and, inevitably, some bad things.  But at least now I have judged it for myself.  The biggest change to my life was meeting my husband, who was a student at my BEI college.  We started dating while I was on BEI and five and half years later, we got married at home in Ireland. I’ve always thought that BEI is what you make it.  Everyone has different experiences, which, in my opinion, merely reflects the different people that participate in BEI.  I suppose you could say that rather than serving a finished dish, BEI gives everyone the ingredients to create their own .. and no two meals will be the same!”

Colin Woods, Alma College, Michigan (Law, Queen’s University Belfast)
“The year I spent on BEI stand out in my head for so many reasons. The friends I made there, the places I visited and being able to experience US College life first hand really broadened my horizons. The biggest direct benefits were the soft skills that you develop in a US College. There’s much more emphases on things like public speaking and team working. Going on BEI also gave me an extra dimension to my CV; the experiences I had while in the US and the classes I took there were of great benefit when I graduated and really gave me something to talk about in job interviews. Fantastic – the best year of my life! I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Stephen Miskelly, Class of 2003 Seton Hall University, New Jersey (Business Information Technology, Queen’s University Belfast)

“BEI influenced me in not so much the direction to take, but the scope. The BEI experience was a very good card to play in interviews, standing out from the crowd, it made sense to utilise it to its fullest. It definitely helped me obtain a consultant contract in Boston in 2005, and again gain a position back in Northern Ireland. BEI really puts things into perspective and allowed me to think out of the box when if came to thinking about employment opportunities. It was definitely a beneficial addition to my core business skills. 100% amazing experience!”

Brian Philip Davis, Centenary College, New Jersey (Design for Visual Communications, University of Ulster, Belfast)
Independent Filmmaker/ Editor  “BEI certainly reaffirmed my choice of career. Meeting the kinds of people that I met from such a variety of background was an eye opener. Being close to a place like New York City allowed me to make contacts and visit the kinds of places that I had only ever imagined. The people and places that I experienced throughout the year would inspire my work for years to come even after graduation. A life-enhancing experience”

Helena Rogan Dominican College, Illinois (Fashion, Belfast Metropolitan College (Formerly BIFHE))

“I feel that my experiences on BEI have given me an edge, it’s a great talking point at interviews too. I feel that I am more confident and its great to have studied business, marketing, advertising etc. as well as my own degree. It just gives you a broader knowledge of the world/business world around you. The best year of my life!”

Keith Hassard, McKendree College, Illinois (Computing Science, University of Ulster)
“Firstly, my BEI experience was unforgettable, from the people I met and places I saw. I was awarded with an unbelievable opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life. Through the many obstacles and situations I came across I have become a more confident and rounded person. My people and presentation skills were improved vastly! I gained a great deal of self belief, when I come across new or unfamiliar situations I know have the confidence to see them through.  I made life long friends too.”

Johnny Boylan, Boston University, Massachusetts (Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast)

“BEI enriched my life by providing me with the opportunity to study at a distinguished and internationally acclaimed Business School in one of the most sought after cities in the States. I learnt a great deal through both my studies and the people I met. I was really impressed with the study ethic of the American students, their tendency to ask and answer questions during class, and their willingness to get to know their professors. I returned to Belfast a more motivated, confident and inquisitive student. I am indebted to BEI for the stellar opportunity I had to attend, learn from, and contribute to Boston University.”

Laura McCullagh Nebraska Wesleyan University (Religious Studies, St. Mary’s University College)
“Participating in the BEI influenced me to undertake an MSc in communications with strategic management and marketing, as I studied business and communications in the states and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I felt that the time I spent in the US gave me a good foundation of knowledge and I wanted to pursue this further with further study. I am also able to apply the knowledge from my time at NWU and I feel that the experience overall, in terms of my confidence and abilities has greatly improved.”

Craig Johnston Iowa Wesleyan College, Iowa (Business, University of Ulster, Jordanstown)

“BEI was a huge challenge for me in my life.  Going to a new college, in a new country and on my own was a massive challenge and this was the reason I decided to take on a new challenge in the place of work.  I focused on improving communication skills doing speech classes so I can communicate with various clients and other employees effectively without hesitance. The greatest year of my life!”

Adrian Moffett Waynesburg College, PA (Environmental Science, University of Ulster, Jordanstown)
“My experience in Waynesburg College and related outings to the various places of interest helped me grow in confidence and I travelled back to Northern Ireland feeling I had gained valuable experience and knowledge as a result of being on the BEI programme. I made many friends and still keep in touch with some of these contacts.  It was truly a wonderful experience and helped to broaden my education and experience.”

Jackie McCarthy Agnes Scott College, GA (Modern History and Drama, Queen’s University Belfast)

“BEI provided me with the confidence, skills and experience to seek out a career that I would not have necessarily considered beforehand. I benefited immensely from the experience. Being away from home made me a more mature and well rounded individual. The level of interaction in the American classroom developed my communication and interpersonal skills while the heavy work load gave me a solid work ethic which I was able to transfer to the final year of my degree at Queen’s. It’s not until you’re back home for a good while that you reflect on what an impact it had on you. I had an unbelievable year and it completely changed my outlook on life by opening my eyes to endless possibilities.”