~ Special Education ~ Psychology ~ Speech/Communication Disorders ~ Social Work ~
~ Child and Family Development ~ Adaptive P.E. ~ Physical Therapy ~ Recreation/Leisure ~
~ Occupational Therapy ~ Gerontology ~ Nursing ~ Music Therapy ~ etc.

Study Abroad Ireland is designed for students wanting an international experience that focuses on the delivery of educational and social services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Ireland. Students from a wide range of disciplines with an interest in social, educational, vocational, recreational, and/or health services for persons with developmental disabilities will be recruited. Applicants with direct contact experience with adolescents and/or adults with disabilities are preferred. Both volunteer service hours and completion of 6 hours coursework will be required:

SPED 4800/6800: Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Developmental Disabilities: Ireland, and

SPED 4440/7440: Practicum Study Abroad in Ireland

Student Quotes

“Definitely the best experience I have ever had! The COPE Foundation was incredible and the clients and staff were both amazing to work with! I would strongly encourage anyone to participate in this program. I want to go back!!”

“I thought the program was great. Keep up the good work! Thank you!”

“Met every expectation I had and actually went over and beyond anything I hoped for!”

“The readings and speakers were very interesting and helpful.”

“COPE Foundation is fantastic and a great place to learn. I learned so much and I can’t wait to use the new ideas and techniques in the fall.”

“Fantastic experience! I have learned SO much from the people I worked with, and the program in general.”

“Very positive experience for me – enjoyed learning about other disciplines and think this is an important component.”

“The housing was fabulous!”

“There is nothing negative I could say. It was an experience that opened my eyes to a whole new population in a field where I learned more than I ever expected!”

“Want to stay in Ireland forever!”

“Enjoyed seminar and thought the classwork was the perfect amount and learned a lot.”

“Wonderful experience! I loved this trip!! Thank you so much!”

“It’s been a great trip and a once in a lifetime experience!”

“I would not trade my experience in Ireland! Dr. Gast and Kathy have put together a great program! Ireland is gorgeous and the COPE Foundation is amazing!”

“The program provided more than ample opportunities to see how special education works in another country. Observing the cultural differences provided a direct opportunity for me to view their positive practices and determine how they could be applied into my personal practices.”

“This trip was absolutely amazing! Ireland is so beautiful and there is so much to do and see! Everybody was very friendly and I felt that by the end of the six weeks that I had really soaked up a lot of the culture. I loved working with the Cope Foundation too! The people I worked with taught me so much and inspired me to continue working with people who have intellectual disabilities. I’m hoping to move to Ireland when I graduate and continue learning and working as a nurse for those who have severe-profound disabilities!”

“What an extraordinary experience! The opportunity to work side by side with such dedicated staff members at the Cope Foundation was invaluable. I am deeply inspired by the work that is happening at the Cope Foundation and I look forward to furthering this work here in the U.S. I will remember my time in Ireland for the rest of my life!”

“The entire study abroad experience was wonderful. You and Kathy did a fantastic job of preparing us as far as what to bring, what to expect, and what was expected of us. The COPE staff were unbelievable – friendly, helpful, and encouraging both with regards to their professional lives and Irish culture. I thought the group excursions were well organized and fun. The tours of Cork were really nice, especially seeing the other COPE sites (and the beautiful scenery of Gougane Barra).”

“I had the time of my life, and I got a ton of experience in the field. I loved Ireland.”

“Honestly, the best experience of my life. The people I had the honor of working with, clients and staff, will forever impact my life.”

“COPE is truly an exceptional facility; I’ve never seen anything like it. I enjoyed working with every staff member I was placed with, because their passion for their jobs was always evident. Working with the clients was an unforgettable learning experience.”

“An incredible learning experience in one of the world’s most beautiful places.”