~ 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:

THE 2014 COURSE SYLLABI WILL BE POSTED LATER IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR

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

SPED 4440S/7440S: Practicum Study Abroad in Ireland

Quotes from 2013 Study Abroad in Ireland Students

This program enhanced my cultural perspective and helped me grow as a person.

I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience!  My placement was perfect, the lectures were interesting, and Ireland is beautiful.  Life changing experience for sure!

Fantastic program setup—very well organized with enough down/free time to get the full Ireland experience.

I absolutely loved my placement (COPE Foundation).  The staff was really kind and welcoming and taught me so much.  I realized that I could definitely work in this area with OT as well as early intervention.  I loved it all !!

One of the best experiences I could have asked for regarding preparation for my future. Amazing professors, friends, and country!

Challenging but not over the top; fair amount of work.

The best experience of my life.  So thankful for this opportunity!

The program was very well-planned and the directors did a fantastic job.  The coursework was reasonable. 
This was such a growing experience for me.  I loved every minute of my time here.

Great learning experience!  Absolutely loved it! 

It was an amazing experience and I’m so happy I had the opportunity!

Amazing!   Very well-organized.  The amount of readings was reasonable and I enjoyed the speakers!

The Ireland Study Abroad program had provided me with irreplaceable experience.  Learning from guest lecturers, and staff that work every day with the special needs population provided insight that can’t be gained from a book.

A once in a lifetime experience where I learned so much that I would never learn  in a classroom setting.

OUTSTANDING !  Best 7 weeks of my life. Thanks for everything!

The most culturally, emotionally, and educationally enriching experience of my life.  Really opened my eyes.

Incredible opportunity to grow as a person and a professional.  The connections made are priceless.

So happy! Everything I expected and more !

Worth every penny!

Incredible experience!  Learned so much.  Planned well, good amount of coursework, relevant requirements.

Really great trip.  I am extremely pleased that I was fortunate enough to experience this.

I loved my experience in Ireland.  Would definitely recommend it to others.