26/07/2001

Warm welcome for exchange students

A major reception to welcome over 90 overseas students taking part in the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Programme was hosted on Wednesday night by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren.

The IAESTE is a worldwide organisation encompassing 80 countries, which provides students in higher education with course-related practical experience in another country.

Under the programme, students from 52 different countries are undertaking work experience over the summer, with a similar number of Northern Ireland students on placement abroad. The overseas students, all in scientific and technical disciplines, are working in companies as diverse as NIE, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Gilbert-Ash and the BBC.

Addressing the overseas students at the reception in Belfast Castle Minister Farren said: “I am delighted you have chosen to come to Northern Ireland for your placement. It is an indication of the international standing enjoyed by our education system and its increasing links with the industrial sector.

“Your placements will give you the opportunity to gain experience in your chosen areas of study and provide a platform on which to exchange ideas. This open flow of knowledge will be of long-term benefit to everyone involved.”

The Minister praised the dedication of staff in the IAESTE Central Bureau Belfast, saying their work had received international recognition with Northern Ireland being chosen to stage the 2002 Seminar on IAESTE Development.

The seminar is an annual event attended by IAESTE representatives from across the world and will be the first time it has been held in the UK.

(AMcE)

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