The Irish/American Scholars Program is available only to those sophomore, junior, and senior students at U.S. colleges and universities that are participating in the Business Education Initiative (BEI) program sponsored by the British Council on behalf of the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland. Jamestown College is one of only approximately 100 such institutions in the U.S. Consequently, Jamestown College students are eligible to apply for this unique program.

There are a total of 25 spaces available at the institutions in Northern Ireland: 10 at Queen's University-Belfast, 10 at the campuses of the University of Ulster, and 5 at Belfast Metropolitan College. Preference will be given to those students who commit for a full academic year, but applications will be accepted from those who can participate for one semester.

Note:  For more information regarding the Business Education Initiative (BEI) program, visit our BEI page:
Business Education Initiative

To apply for the program, students must have earned a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and must submit the following application materials: an application form; a 500-word essay stating the reasons for the student's desire to study in Northern Ireland and his/her educational objectives during the time of study; two letters of reference, one each from the student's academic advisor and another faculty member; and a current academic transcript.

The applications are reviewed by representatives of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the selected nominees are recommended to the Northern Irish institutions for enrollment.

Students who are selected for the program must work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that the courses taken while studying in Northern Ireland will transfer to their programs of study at Jamestown College.

As part of the Irish/American Scholars Program, the institutions in Northern Ireland waive their tuition and fees. If accepted into the program, Irish/American Scholars will register and pay normal tuition and fees to Jamestown College. While in Northern Ireland, students will be responsible for housing, food, travel, books, and other living expenses. Financial aid is available for all, or most, of these expenses. For details, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Queen's University-Belfast and the University of Ulster are internationally-recognized, comprehensive universities. Although they do not offer study in all disciplines, Jamestown College students will find appropriate programs at these institutions.

Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) specializes in educating students with strong career goals in vocational areas such as business, marketing, computing, performing arts, design communication, leisure studies, and other professional and vocational areas, as well as Irish Studies.

Additional information regarding our partner institutions in Northern Ireland can be found on the Web:

The country of Northern Ireland is rich in history, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. It has been said that "the isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs that give delight." To take a virtual tour of the beautiful country of Northern Ireland and to preview the delights that await you during your study abroad year, follow the slideshow link that appears below:

For more information regarding the Irish/American Scholars Program, please see Professor Dennis Gash in the Unruh and Sheldon Center for Business and Computer Science, Office Number 107.