Donegal students head to US for prestigious Study USA programme

Donegal students Guia Gomez and Jamie Barron are embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime this month, as they travel to the United States to take part in the prestigious Study USA scholarship programme.

The pair are among 60 students from Northern Ireland taking part in the programme, which gives participants the opportunity to spend a full academic year at an American college or university.

Managed by the British Council on behalf of the Department for the Economy, this year’s cohort includes students from South Eastern Regional College, Queen’s University Belfast, St Mary’s University College, Belfast Metropolitan College, and Ulster University. They will be placed at institutions across 24 states — from Texas to Washington, and Florida to Nebraska.

Guia, who is from Carndonagh and a past pupil at Carndonagh Community School, is a Communication, Advertising and Marketing student at Ulster University. She will spend her year at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia.

Speaking ahead of her departure, she said: “I chose to join the Study USA programme to challenge myself and broaden my perspective by studying in a new academic and cultural environment. It offers invaluable insight into marketing and communications from a global viewpoint, and the chance to explore subjects not available at my home university. I’m especially excited to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, as I believe this will enrich both my academic and personal development.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing American campus life, attending events like football games and embracing new learning opportunities. While I’m a little nervous about adapting to a different academic system and being far from home, I’m confident these challenges will help me grow.

“This programme highlights my adaptability, initiative, and willingness to step outside my comfort zone—all valuable traits in any career. I hope to build greater independence, confidence, and global awareness through this experience, and I believe it will benefit both my personal growth and professional future.

“After returning home to complete my final year, I plan to pursue a career in communications - a dynamic field where I can apply the skills and insights gained during my time in the US."

Meanwhile Jamie, from Letterkenny, is a Computer Science student at Queen’s University. He is off to the University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York.

A past pupil at Saint Eunan’s College, he said: “ I decided to take part in Study USA because I was looking for an opportunity to broaden my horizons, enhance my university experience and grow as a person. After settling into life in Belfast, I didn’t want to get too comfortable - I wanted to push myself to try something new. When I came across the Study USA programme on the Queen’s website, it was clear it was exactly what I was looking for, and everything moved forward from there.

“I’d say I’m equally excited and nervous about moving to the Bronx. It’s always been one of those places you’d hear mentioned growing up, and the fact that I’ll now be living there for a year is a bit intimidating - but it also brings huge opportunities for experiences that simply wouldn’t be possible elsewhere. I’m also really looking forward to getting a taste of the famous American college experience and sharing what it’s like to study in Belfast with my American peers.

“The personal growth I expect to gain from this will be a huge benefit. Moving across the Atlantic to a place where I don’t know anyone is a challenge, and I know the experience will stay with me long-term. Getting a deep, first-hand insight into American culture, lifestyle, and business practices will give me a perspective that I couldn’t get from the outside looking in. I believe that understanding will be really useful, both for my university work and in whatever career path I follow.”

The Study USA programme receives significant support from partner institutions in the United States, with annual funding exceeding more than €2 million. The generous scholarship package includes accommodation on campus, a full meal plan, tuition fees, book allowance, flights and a £1k bursary.

Launched in 1994 to support the Northern Ireland peace process, Study USA has been running for over 30 years. Praising the programme’s long running success Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “The Study USA programme offers an invaluable opportunity for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. It also plays a crucial role in expanding students’ horizons and shaping future leaders as well as promoting positive perceptions of the north. I wish our students taking part this year all the very best on what I’m sure will be a great experience.”