Growing up in Lurgan, James always had a penchant for mathematical and practical subjects. "I've always been curious to find out how things work and to understand how they're made," he shares. “My dad’s a civil engineer and does lots of work around the house, very handy, which I was usually interested in.” This natural curiosity, coupled with his impressive academic achievements - including 4 A-Stars at A-Level - paved the way for his entry into the Master's Degree programme in Mechanical Engineering at Queen's.

The turning point in James's academic journey came when he heard about the Study USA programme from a close friend. "It seemed like an incredible opportunity that, in all honesty, sounded a bit too good to be true. I don’t think I fully believed him until I looked it up on the website and saw that they were taking applications," James recalls.

The programme, a prestigious scholarship set up by the British Council, offers 50 full-time students from Northern Irish colleges and universities the chance to study in the United States for a full academic year.

Although it all sounded wonderful, most engineering students do a placement year in industry to get some experience in the field, which is usually quite important for applying to jobs after you finish university. This factor alone made it difficult for James to choose between applying for Study USA and pursuing an internship like most of his peers.

However, despite initial hesitations about missing out on a traditional industry placement, James decided to take the leap. "I looked at it from the perspective that I know I'll be working in the engineering sector for the rest of my life, whereas I'd never have another chance to take part in Study USA. I didn't want to miss out on the experience of a lifetime," he explains.

The application process was rigorous, with only 50 places available each year. Applicants faced multiple rounds of selection, including a written application and in-person interviews. James's dedication paid off when he received an email confirming his place in the programme. "I remember being overwhelmed with happiness," he says. "I just couldn't believe it."

James was matched with Ohio Northern University, where he found a welcoming and supportive environment. "Ohio Northern University has a world-class international student programme," he notes. “I was surrounded by such a caring community that gave me everything I needed to succeed.” Despite being the only student from Northern Ireland at his university, James embraced the challenge, determined to be a great ambassador for his home country.

The academic experience in the US differed significantly from what James was used to in Northern Ireland. "The most obvious difference I can think of is class participation," he observes. "In the states, the majority of students would try to answer questions and get involved. The classes were just very interactive, quite back and forth, almost like a conversation. Which is beneficial as it gets you thinking about the content and directly applying it."

James's experience wasn't limited to the classroom. He actively participated in community service events, such as "Ace Day" — a campus-wide event where students were placed into small groups and went out to give back to the local community through various tasks. "My group went to a local residence, owned by a lovely older couple, and we helped to move lots of equipment from the top of their barn, down to the floor. It was so rewarding just because you could immediately see the impact you were having," he reflects.

The pinnacle of James's Study USA journey came when he was awarded the Student of the Year title. Out of 56 students in the Study USA class of 2024, James was one of eight who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. His award-winning essay and video submission showcased how the experience enhanced his personal development and impacted his employability.

 

He was awarded this prestigious title during the Study USA graduation and gave an acceptance speech to an audience of about 70 people. "If I had been asked to do that a year ago, I would have been very nervous even thinking about it. But Study USA gave me the opportunity to present to large groups, to the point where it's almost become second nature to me."

Looking back, James believes the Study USA experience has significantly boosted his employability. "It's an incredible thing to be able to talk about on a CV and having worked over the past summer in an engineering firm, I can tell you first hand that employers are interested in it," he says. His participation in the SAE BAJA society, where he helped design and build an off-road buggy, provided practical experience that has already opened doors for him back at Queen's where he joined Formula Racing student team.

To students considering similar opportunities but feeling apprehensive, James offers this advice: "You've got nothing to lose by applying. It's a great chance to even develop your interview skills. It's a great way to step out of your comfort zone, and you'll be so thankful that you did."

James's journey through Study USA is a testament to the transformative power of international education. It not only broadened his academic horizons but also fostered personal growth, cultural understanding, and professional development. As he puts it, the experience was truly "Unforgettable. Rewarding. Enjoyable."

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For enquiries please contact Daria Pudovkina at: d.pudovkina@qub.ac.uk