On the banks of the River Lagan and the shores of Belfast Lough, lies Belfast (Béal Feirste meaning "ford by the sandbank" in Gaelic), the vibrant cultural and commercial capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast's rich and complex history, lively cultural scene and excellent educational institutions draw thousands of students to this small metropolis each year.

Sheltered by the mountains of Antrim on one side and the green hills of County Down on the other, this compact city is adorned with Elizabethan and Victorian architecture, recalling its forefathers and industrial heritage. The area that became Belfast has been inhabited at least since the Bronze Age, but the city's official founding dates to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Their power would soon be challenged by Gaelic clans, including the O'Neills of Clandeboye.

When Henry VIII proclaimed himself King of England and Ireland, the Reformation arrived, and centuries of religious, political and cultural conflicts followed. This history of dualities -Catholic vs. Protestant, Irish vs. British and Gaelic vs. English - is carefully depicted in the famous murals of the Shankill Road, Ballymurphy, the Falls Road and Ardoyne.

Home to the shipyard that produced the Titanic, Belfast grew rapidly during the 18th and 19th centuries, owing much of its expansion to the shipbuilding, engineering and textile industries. The Industrial Revolution saw Belfast go from a small town to one of the world's great commercial ports, which contrasted with ongoing political turmoil, which saw conflict between nationalists, unionists and other groups emerge periodically throughout the 20th century. A significant breakthrough was made in 1998, when the U.S.-brokered "Good Friday Agreement" was signed, marking the unofficial end to the "Troubles" of the past 30 years.

The Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University Belfast plays a key role in contemporary Irish research, and offers an interdisciplinary program that is extremely popular with study abroad students. History, politics, literature, anthropology, conflict resolution, language, folklore and archaeology are just some of the courses included in this superb program. For short-term study, the Institute's summer school examines modern Irish culture and offers participants a unique opportunity to witness Ireland's unfolding history.

Two of Belfast's major universities are world-renowned for their educational excellence. U.S. students may apply for study abroad at Queen's University Belfast or the University of Ulster through Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad. Arcadia's semester and year-long study abroad programs also include such fields of study as agriculture, arts, economics, engineering, mathematics, music, physics and social sciences. Through excursions, program activities and experiential learning, students will have an opportunity to explore and contrast the modern and traditional aspects of Irish life.

Belfast's reliable and efficient transportation system makes it easy to get around the city and explore the beautiful Northern Ireland scenery. However, since Belfast contains more than 50 parks and woodland walks, it's not necessary to leave the city to enjoy the countryside. Situated next door to Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens are world-class. With its great greenhouses, formal bedding and shrubberies, and glorious herbaceous walkways, the Botanic Gardens are an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Their most famous feature is the Palm House, a masterpiece of molded glass and wrought iron. Completed in 1852 by Richard Turner, it is the earliest surviving example of a curvilinear glasshouse found anywhere in the world.

Belfast has a lively cultural scene with an abundance of museums, theaters, music venues and galleries. The Ulster Museum includes art, antiquities, and historical, scientific and ethnographic collections. Located just outside Belfast, the Ulster Folk Museum offers unique insight into the life and traditions of the people of Northern Ireland around the turn of century.

Built in 1862, Ulster Hall boasts a magnificent interior dominated by the famous Mulholland Organ. A venue for events ranging from religious services to rock concerts, Ulster Hall has played host to a vast range of artists from Charles Dickens to Led Zeppelin. The Grand Opera House is Belfast's premier theater, and live theatrical performances include drama, musicals, ballet, opera, comedy and pantomime.

A variety of fascinating tours - bus, black taxi, walking, bicycle and boat - are available. Important historic sites include the stunning Belfast Castle, which overlooks the city, and Belfast City Hall, an exquisite example of Edwardian architecture.

The list of restaurants, pubs and cafes found in Belfast is endless. Suffice it to say that anything and everything can be found at nearly any time of day or night. For poetry readings and singer-songwriter evenings, the Arcadia Coffee House in Cathedral Quarter is a popular meeting spot. The Crown Liquor Saloon, one of Belfast's architectural gems, is one of the National Trust's greatest treasures.

With its intriguing history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and excellent educational opportunities, Belfast consistently draws students from all over the world.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad: www.arcadia.edu/abroad
Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University Belfast: www.qub.a.uk/schools/IrishStudies/
Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau: www.gotobelfast.com