I was on a Boston College Irish Institute programme a number of years ago, it was on 'Trends in Higher Education Administration' and a group from Northern Ireland and the Republic went over and met with peers (over a two-week period) in the US education system, all sponsored by Boston College and the US State Department - it was a fantastic opportunity to see in-depth what was happening in the US.

The next Irish Institute programme is going to be on philanthropy and community development, and I would highly recommend it to people in the sector. Here are the details:

Philanthropy & Community Development
Boston, MA & Phoenix, AZ: January 18 - 28, 2011

Up to fourteen individuals including decision-makers from grant making organizations (philanthropic foundations and trusts), micro-financing organizations, community development bodies, and relevant government agencies from Ireland and from Northern Ireland will be selected to engage their American counterparts on relevant topics. Seminars and visits will examine: expanding the reach of private philanthropy, using social and economic indicators to make funding decisions, endowment management, setting enhanced criteria for board membership, and identifying existing and emerging areas of under-funding.

The programme is sponsored by the Irish Institute at the Centre for Irish Programmes, Boston College, and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Programme-related costs including travel, accommodation, tuition, and the majority of meals are provided.

The programme is not open to U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, or past participants of U.S. Government-funded Irish Institute programmes. Short-listed applicants must be available for interview either 19th October in Belfast or 20th October in Dublin. Please note that the programme is by necessity highly selective, and that consequently, not all applicants will be interviewed and not all interviewees will be invited to participate.

To Apply: Visit our website at www.bc.edu/irishinstitute.The completed application form, in addition to a letter of interest, must be returned by email to Ms. Thea Gilien at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before 5 p.m. GMT on Friday, 8th October. The mandatory letter of interest should include: reason for application, your ability to contribute to the programme, and potential for sharing your experience upon your return home. For further information, please telephone (353) 1 614 7450.