Students from across Northern Ireland got a taste of Europe recently, thanks the Belfast City Council and the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland.
The Opportunity Europe and Beyond event they hosted, now in its eighth year, brings thousands of students to St George’s Market in Belfast to find out more about working, studying, travelling and volunteering abroad.
The showcase gives students the chance to take part in a programme which includes music, dance, visual arts, quizzes, workshops, exhibition stands, discussions as well as the chance to sample cuisines from Europe and beyond.
Among the events was a quiz hosted by Cool FM’s Pete Snodden; a performance by the Onatti Theatre Company and language taster sessions in German, Irish, Polish, Italian and Portuguese, as well as a chance to learn salsa and the Chinese Dragon dance.
This year has been designated the European Year of Volunteering and workshops at the event explored this theme too with opportunities available to work with the RSPB and at World Police and Fire Games which are coming to Belfast in 2013.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “The council recognises the importance of competing on a European stage and equipping our young people with the right skills to avail of the opportunities that exist in Europe and further afield.”
Maurice Maxwell, Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, said: “The European Union has a significant impact on life in Northern Ireland. Opportunity Europe and Beyond is a unique event that allows people to gain an insight into what Europe means for them.
“As well as highlighting the importance of Northern Ireland’s European and international links and the relevance of language learning in today’s global economy, Opportunity Europe and Beyond encourages a greater understanding of the many different cultures in Northern Ireland.”
Nelson McCausland, Minister for Social Development, said: “This exhibition shows the diversity of cultural life in Northern Ireland and the opportunities there are for our young people. Young people have a wonderful chance to learn about different cultures and languages and about the opportunities there are to study, volunteer or even work aboard.”
Opportunity Europe and Beyond is organised by Belfast City Council and the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and supported by Northern Ireland CiLT, the British Council, Volunteer Now, the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, the NI Council of the European Movement and Belfast Metropolitan College.