Queen's University Belfast students Mohammed Abdul Salam and Lydia Hosain were among the students selected to complete the Washington Ireland Program this year.

MSc City Planning & Design student Mohammed shared his excitement about starting the program via a LinkedIn post, “It was an absolute pleasure to join the weekend induction at the Washington Ireland Program as a part of the Hybrid Class of 2022 in Newcastle, Co.Down.”

“We learnt many things over the weekend but most importantly we managed to create bonds that will perhaps last for a long time to come.

“There were some amazing speakers such as Rachel Powell, W. Patrick Wilson, Shane Carmichael, Kristen Woolf & Colm Murphy who all shared their wisdom and opened our horizons - truly grateful to hear about their views and experiences.

“And, thanks to Philip O'Callaghan who showed us a masterclass on how to chair a debate.“

He added: “Still buzzing from the experience & can’t wait to explore what the summer holds for us!”

Mohammed summed up his experience with a quote from W.Patrick Wilson:  “In America, we don’t speak about where we are coming from but rather we speak about where we are heading towards”. He added: “I hope that the journey forward will be one full of learnings and memories that we will cherish and hold on to for a lifetime to come”

Meanwhile Common and Civil Law with French undergraduate Lydia Hosain also took to LinkedIn to share her excitement, writing: “I am delighted to have participated in the Washington Ireland Program orientation weekend. It was fantastic meeting my phenomenal hybrid cohort team members and equally gaining insight from the U.S. cohort.

“WIP has been a program that I have wanted to take part in for some time, and I'm very grateful that I've been offered this opportunity.

“I have been privileged to hear from the inspirational guest speakers and board members: Rachel Powell, Shane Carmichael, W. Patrick Wilson, Kristen Woolf, Philip O'Callaghan and Colm Murphy. It was motivating to listen to their personal and professional stories, which challenged and encouraged change in my present views, and to receive important advice for going forward. I have learnt to reflect on these experiences to gain the most from them, and on what I can bring to the team projects and WIP Papers.

I can't wait to see the rest of the team again soon and look forward to what June will bring!”

The Washington Ireland program offers students the chance to gain professional experience, speak with global leaders, connect with mentors and to design ambitious ideas to drive our island forward. Throughout the program, students have a chance to work in the US Congress, high profile companies and major advocacy organisations.

More information on the program can be found at the Washington Ireland Program website or by contacting the Global Opportunities Team at Queen’s.