Study Abroad at Stranmillis: Semester Opportunities

Study Abroad

Stranmillis University College, part of Queen’s University Belfast, is a vibrant and welcoming campus with an outstanding reputation for teaching, learning and educational research. Each year we welcome international students who join us for a semester of study and a fully immersive academic and cultural experience.
Our US Study Abroad Programme offers students the opportunity to gain real‑world, hands‑on experience across a range of disciplines including teacher education, early childhood education, special education, community education, youth and social work, sport, health, and wellbeing. A placement in a local school, or a community‑based experience for non‑education majors, is a central and highly valued part of the semester programme.
We’re always delighted to collaborate with US colleges and universities who wish to create meaningful semester‑long learning opportunities for their students in Belfast. If your institution is interested in exploring a partnership or tailoring a study abroad experience, our International Team would be very happy to discuss what’s possible.

Semester Programmes at Stranmillis University College

Stranmillis University Colleg, a College of Queen’s University Belfast, is a recognised leader in teaching, learning and educational research, welcoming international students each year for a fully immersive semester experience in Belfast.

Students typically take 60 CATS credits (equivalent to 15 US credits) and can choose from a curated selection of modules across:

Education
Early Childhood Studies
Liberal Arts
Health, Physical Activity & Sport
Youth & Community Studies
Theology and Biblical Studies

Our semester programmes offer academically rich, practice‑informed learning, with opportunities for classroom observation, school experience or community engagement depending on the subject area.

Credit Transfer & Transcripts

Stranmillis works closely with partner universities to ensure smooth and transparent credit transfer. Upon successful completion of the semester:

Students receive an unofficial Stranmillis transcript issued by the International Office. An additional official transcript can be requested after the completion of their course, if required by their home institution.
Transcripts are sent directly to the home university for evaluation and transfer of credit.
Module syllabi and assessment details can be provided as needed to support academic approval processes.

This ensures that returning students receive appropriate academic recognition for their studies in Belfast.

Partnership Opportunities

We partner with a growing network of US colleges and universities to deliver high‑quality semester‑long study experiences. Our International Team supports partners throughout the nomination, application and arrival process to ensure a seamless student journey.

To explore partnership opportunities, please contact: international@stran.ac.uk

Student & Faculty Voices

Discover reflections from past students and faculty to learn what makes the Stranmillis semester experience distinctive — academically, professionally and culturally.

Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA)

Partner Testimonial

The student experience, from our perspective, is second to none and I really appreciate that. Students get an opportunity to take modules that outline local pedagogy and culture and work in a classroom to apply the theory they are learning directly. The Stranmillis programme allows students from an academic field that does not always support study abroad to live and learn in Northern Ireland and really accelerates them in their own education and future careers. Having worked with the team at Stranmillis for the past decade, I can say that they provide excellence in academics, student support and our experience has been one of open communication and partnership. The programmes we collaboratively design for students and schools in the US are bespoke and responsive to their needs, providing all that the student, school and state licensing bodies want from their semester in Northern Ireland. Belfast is vibrant, budget-friendly and welcoming to our students and the considered care, along with the expertise they have access to at Stranmillis, makes their semester one to remember.

Suzi Breslin, Director, Ireland Programmes, Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA)

Global Teachers Gateway Overseas Programme for Experienced Teachers

Participant Testimonial

I definitely think that my time here at Stranmillis and at Wellington College has changed my perception of education, and the various forms that education can (and does) take in different countries around the world. But overall, the biggest gains that I made here in Northern Ireland are personal.

Part of the reason that I wanted to do this programme in the first place is that I figured it would allow me to learn about the culture by engaging in the typical tourist activities while also interacting with locals on a daily basis, and I’m pleased to say that I’ve done just that.

I definitely think that this experience has changed my worldview (for the better), and I can’t wait to see where these new ideas and perspectives will lead.

Shaylin Montgomery, in partnership with Indiana University, Summer 2023

Four‑Week Study Abroad Experience

University of Tampa, Florida

Student Testimonial

Belfast City Peace Tour with International Erasmus Students, SUC

As part of my Study Abroad experience, for the past four weeks, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be placed 2 days per week in a P4 classroom at St. Brides Primary School in Belfast Northern Ireland. I was definitely anxious for this placement, anticipating it to be very different from past experiences and because I was new to the school. Everyone at this school was amazing and I am so grateful for this opportunity. From the moment I stepped in they could not be more welcoming. Everyone wanted to get to know me and what I was to do here, and where I had come from. There was not one person who did not go out of their way to introduce themselves, just to give me another friendly face. The staff were lovely to work with. It was great to observe good teaching and I believe this has taught me so many things. It was nice to have a Teaching Assistant in the room to be able to see things from her perspective as well. The pupils were very well behaved and extremely respectful, making it sad when it was time to say goodbye. Overall this was a great experience and I would be honored to make my way back there sometime.

I attended lectures on Special Educational Needs (SEN) of pupils and also classes on Northern Ireland Culture. The Bus Tour around Belfast was excellent, covering political and social aspects of the city and it’s heritage and met weekly with the Study Abroad Course Co-ordinator Mrs Lois Totton.

I would highly recommend a Study Abroad Experience in Belfast and at Stranmillis University College.

Amanda Kelly

Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) & University of Central Arkansas

Partner Testimonial

IFSA Stranmillis University College

We recently participated in a 12-day faculty-led study abroad program aimed at developing global competency in teachers and leaders studying library media and instructional technology at the University of Central Arkansas. Our itinerary included an exploration of Belfast and its surroundings, where we visited institutions such as Stranmillis University College and St. Mary’s College Libraries, as well as Harmony Hill Primary School, Loughview Integrated Primary School, and Mitchell House Special School. We also had the opportunity to visit the majestic Giant’s Causeway (which is one of the seven wonders of the world) and the historic Ulster American Folk Park, experiencing breath-taking landscapes and immersing ourselves in the local history and culture.

Throughout the program, we used the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for examining Northern Ireland’s unique culture, its education system, peacebuilding efforts, and ongoing reconciliation initiatives. This immersive experience provided valuable opportunities to develop global competence and explore innovative practices in blended learning, technology integration, and peace-building within Northern Ireland’s schools. We eagerly look forward to returning to Stranmillis University College and Northern Ireland in June 2026!

Dr. Allison Freed

Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) & Illinois State University

Partner Testimonial

Illinois State University, Stranmillis University College

Working with Barbara McDade and Lois Totton at Stranmillis University College was a true pleasure. In June 2025, I led a group short-term program with seven students from Illinois State University. I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive the team at Stranmillis was to our requests and queries. Much attention was paid to details that made the trip more enjoyable for students, like supplemental excursions and visits to a diverse range of schools in the area. I look forward to many more years of partnership with Stranmillis University College!

Dr. Amanda Quesenberry