Malin Head student wins prestigious Study USA Spirit award

A student from Malin Head has won the highly coveted Study USA Spirit Award.

Elle Ward, who is studying at Law at Queen’s University Belfast spent a year at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania as part of the prestigious Study USA scholarship programme.

The Spirit Award recognised students who have positively contributed to campus life through dedicated efforts in student organisations, sport, voluntary service, or the arts.

The award was presented at the annual Study USA Graduation at Belfast City Hall on Thursday.

Elle swapped Law at Queen’s University Belfast, for a year studying Law and Business at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania.

Elle got to go on a 2-week business trip to Korea with her US college, interacting with businesses there, and won the prize of a $500 travel voucher for a photo of her trip. She also made the Dean’s list and honour roll at the end of the year, which in US colleges is a major achievement.

"Study USA has profoundly impacted my career aspirations and personal growth,” Elle said.

“My time at Arcadia, including a business trip to South Korea, opened new pathways in international business.

“The experience has taught me resilience, broadened my worldview, and provided me with a global network. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and confident that the skills I've gained will drive my future success in business.”

The flagship scholarship programme is managed by British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy.

Study USA is open to pre-final year students studying at Northern Ireland Higher Education and Further Education institutions, and has evolved over the past three decades to extend beyond business and STEM related subjects.

Students can study a combination of subjects related to their home degree, as well as modules in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Communications, Human Resources and Modern Languages.