St Mary’s International Summer School delivers a positive message about the diversity and inclusivity of life in the city

Students from the USA attending the St Mary’s Summer School return home having experienced at first hand a unique living, breathing and working museum of culture, conflict and community, delivered through an expertly curated series of events, according to St Mary’s principal Professor Peter Finn.

“The summer school is unique in that students and academic staff from universities in the USA can interact and engage directly with commentators, victims and former combatants from a very challenging time in our history. Our role is to facilitate and provide context. From feedback, our US guests find this approach fascinating, captivating and enthralling with many lessons to bring home.”

“The summer school also provides a snapshot of aspects of Belfast life and perspectives from the broader population that may get overlooked, for example, the work of trade unionists, the role of women since the foundation of the state, and the role of sport in influencing change.”

Belfast Mayor Micky Murray said, “The theme of this year’s International Summer School ‘Building Peace through Dialogue’ – is very apt at a time when there is so much conflict in the world. Peacebuilding is very much founded on inclusion and celebration of diversity, and during my year in office, I’m focusing on making Belfast a place where everyone feels welcomed and included because a more inclusive, diverse, and kinder city improves everyone’s quality of life.”

College Principal Professor Finn continued, “Added to the mix of speakers, we are delighted to draw on insights from Reverend Bill Shaw and Father Gary Donigan from their ministry and community work at interfaces in North Belfast.”

“We are delighted to partner with Féile an Phobail in bringing an International Summer School to the now famous and iconic festival.”

“We know from experience that the students return to their home universities with glowing testimonials about their time in Belfast and the diverse academic, cultural and social experience that they have enjoyed. Helping to market Belfast internationally is a bonus for us in promoting our own work as an educational institution committed to community engagement.”

The Mayor concluded. “Belfast has always been proud of its universities and colleges. We can boast some of the finest third tier educational institutions in the world – and as a result, Belfast is now the destination of choice for many international students. By hosting this International Summer School in association with Féile an Phobail, St Mary’s University College is creating greater understanding of today’s Belfast and helping to establish a new narrative about our city and our unlimited potential. As well as focusing on their academic studies, the students will also get time to relax and explore Belfast’s vibrant culture and heritage.”

The International Summer School had participants from the following institutions: