Visitors to Northern Ireland are invariably
impressed by the warmth and friendliness of its people, the interesting
and active cultural life, the temperate climate and the pure natural
beauty of the countryside and coastline - as well as by the high
standard of education at all levels.
Northern Ireland is an interesting and enjoyable place to visit
and study. The Mourne Mountains, which rise steeply from the County
Down coastline, and the Antrim Plateau offer excellent climbing
and walking opportunities. The famous coast provides visitors with
some of the most spectacular scenery in Northern Europe. Indeed,
the whole coastline is a patchwork of unspoiled golden strands,
offering raw and rugged beauty, all within easy reach of one another.
Of course, if you live and study in Northern Ireland, you will
not only want to visit the world famous Giant' s Causeway, which
is now the largest visitor attraction on the Island of Ireland,
but also the world' s oldest whiskey distillery, at Bushmills.
Also renowned for their beauty are Northern Ireland' s inland lakes
and waterways, which provide superb fishing opportunities, and which
are frequently used to host some of the world's major fishing competitions.
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is a bustling, modern
European capital, with a population of 600,000 within its environs.
It is undoubtedly the commercial, educational and cultural capital
of Northern Ireland. It is a lively city with a dynamic, international
population and is easily accessible from all parts of the United
Kingdom, Europe and beyond, through its two airports and busy shipping
routes. Over this last two years the centre of Belfast has been
dramatically transformed, incorporating wide, traffic free pedestrian
precincts.
The compact city centre means that amenities are conveniently positioned
and easy to get to, and combines the best of the old and new. Shoppers
have excellent modern shopping centres and traditional markets.
Cultural life thrives, with the superb Waterfront Hall attracting
well known names from the classical, pop and rock worlds, and five
theatres - including the beautifully restored Grand Opera House.
Many fine buildings show the rich history of the city, including
the Customs House and several picturesque pubs.
Among these buildings is the College Square building of The Belfast
Institute of Further and Higher Education.
Further and higher education presents prospective international
students with many major challenges: how do they select a course
which best meets their individual needs; how can they be sure of
the quality of the course, and will it enhance their chances of
gaining employment or progressing on to further study?
It is, therefore, vitally important to select the right educational
establishment, in an area where they do not make an issue of the
settling-in of a new student.
"Get a good education" has been the traditional advice
offered to generations of young people over the world. But what
exactly is a good education and where can it be given?
Current United Kingdom government policy on the matter suggests
that a "good education" is one which provides the student
with the transferable skills needed for a successful career. They
believe that employer's needs are paramount and thus education must
have a strong element of job training for the international market.
Such education can be achieved in Northern Ireland in, for example,
one of the largest colleges in the United Kingdom, The Belfast Institute
of Further and Higher Education.
Students from Europe and further afield are already making the
Belfast Institute their "number one choice".
Others are actively involved in student exchange programmes at
the Institute. Two such students are Jessie Willemse and Ellis Verhulst,
from Holland, who are currently working and studying in Belfast,
at a local branch of a major insurance company.
"We are living in a town approximately 12 kilometres south
of Belfast," says Jessie. "In many ways Northern Ireland
and Belfast, in particular, has surprised us." She adds: "Northern
Ireland has got some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever
seen; the wonderful coastline and the green rolling hills, where
everything is so peaceful; and quiet.
"Everyone is very friendly, polite and warm-hearted, and the
staff at the Belfast Institute have done everything possible to
make our stay a happy and enjoyable one."
Ellis points out: "When we first arrived in Belfast we must
confess to being a little worried because of the political reports
on television and in the media, but now we are living and working
here, we are experiencing the true heart of the people. We are really
glad that we took up the challenge and came." She concludes:
"We would like to thank sincerely the Belfast Institute of
Further and Higher Education for giving us this opportunity to visit
Northern Ireland and Belfast, and for taking the time to arrange
our accommodation, work and study visits. We will be going home
to Holland with fond memories of your exciting city."
It is clear that Belfast Institute students enjoy the best of both
worlds - the action, life and fun of a capital city, side by side
with the peace and tranquility of the country. No wonder so many
students make the Belfast Institute their first choice to visit.
Contributed by: Thomas Jennings, Department of Business
& Management, Belfast Institute of Further & Higher Education
This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain
& America
