Wider Horizons Program

This program provides young adults from both the Nationalist and Unionist traditions in economically disadvantaged communities the opportunity to improve their employment prospects through training and work experience at home and abroad.

Like the Walsh Visa program, this program was created to bridge the gap between the divided communities of Northern Ireland and the Border Counties. It works to unite and educate peoples around the common goals of social advancement and tolerance.

Participants are provided with two-month internships in Boston and stay with local host families. The IIC provides tailored internships, recruits host families and conducts weekly training and social activities for participants.

Participants enjoy J.P. Licks icecream for the first time.	On a tour Boston just after arrival and just before work.	Members of the group during Boston Orientation.
Graduates pictured with IIC staff.	Graduate Kathleen Kerr pictured with her host family, Maria Saino and her employers, the Boston Police Department.	All friends here.

 

For more information, please email questions@iicenter.org.

• Participant Perspective "I learned a lot from the different people I worked and lived with and am eternally grateful for everything I was allowed to experience." Joel Byrne
• Host Family Perspective "I have hosted international students, language students and other exchange visitors in the past. But this has been the most complete emotional, mental and spiritual experience I have had with any program. It has been wonderful and 'feel-good' from beginning to end." Marina James

Read about personal stories of participants in our Wider Horizons program:

Wider Horizons brings Irish Catholics, Protestants to area homes--The Patriot Ledger

Program helps Irish youths broaden their Horizons--West Roxbury Transcript