~ 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 2012 COURSE SYLLABI WILL BE POSTED LATER IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR

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

SPED 4440/7440: Practicum Study Abroad in Ireland

Some Student Quotes: Study Abroad in Ireland Summer 2011

This experience has really given me great perspective on my future. 

I learned I’m capable of being independent, joining a group (in which I knew no one) and forming lasting friendships.

I heard a quote that really stuck with me—“Some people make the world more special just by being in it.”  This quote really sums up my new outlook on working with clients with severe/profound disabilities.

My confidence was really raised by this experience.   I also learned about my ability to adapt to new situations.

I have learned how fragile and valuable life is.

I learned about the tremendous talent and ability that people labeled with a disability have.  This was evident at the Irish Performing Arts Festival and in (clients’) art classes.

I have gotten so much more out of this experience than I could have ever dreamed! 

I have learned how important respect is in the workplace.  People working in COPE (Foundation) seem to have such a positive attitude towards the clients and each other…

Wonderful Experience.

Loved my placement at COPE Foundation!

I love my site—very challenging but I wouldn’t want to be any other place! 

This (COPE Foundation) was the most important part to me.  I think it helped me grow very much.

COPE Foundation staff were very welcoming and knowlegeable ;  It was really good to be ale to work at the COPE Foundation and get experience with the clients. 

I loved every minute of it; I learned lessons from clients and staff that I will remember for the rest of my life.  I would love to be able to visit with them another time!

 I loved the fact that we each have our own private room and bathroom and that the apartments come fully furnished

Loved, loved, loved, John Bermingham Centre!   

I loved all my placements.  I think COPE Foundation is a wonderful place. 

Very well organized; I loved this part (coursework) —I thought it was an extremely fair workload; just enough to let me enjoy my summer and still get something out of the work. 

It (coursework) was informative and organized (but a bit too much work). 

Incredible program. 

Great experience!  Loved the program!

I have gotten so much more out of this experience than I could have ever dreamed!  Wonderful Experience.

This is a great program!  We appreciate all your hard work!  

This experience has turned out to be so much more than I could have dreamed.  I am very thankful for the time here and the lessons I have learned.  Truly an unforgettable time.  

Best summer of my life!   Fantastic!

 I learned so much and had such a fun time exploring Ireland.;

 Loved it!  Thanks again!

I could not have asked for a better study abroad.

Study Abroad in Ireland 2011 Students