In October 2026, our group embarked on an insightful study trip to Belfast to explore how the Northern Irish education system navigates the complexities of a historically divided society. Over four intensive days, we gained firsthand perspectives on diverse schooling models and community integration:
- Diverse School Models: We visited pioneering institutions, from Northern Ireland’s first planned integrated school (Lagan Integrated College) to the massive and multicultural Methodist College, which successfully manages 54 home languages.
- Governance & Politics: Highlights included exploring inter-church governance at St. Columbanus and an exclusive tour of the Stormont Parliament Buildings, featuring a lunch discussion on educational policy with local MLAs.
- Academic & Historical Grounding: Expert-led sessions at Stranmillis University College and historical tours provided deep context on building curricula for a multi-pluralist society.
Want to read more about our daily experiences, political insights, and cultural highlights?
Read the full Belfast Study Trip Report here