Some Student Quotes: Study Abroad in Ireland

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.

 

“I learned how much I love to work with all the various degrees of disabilities.”

“The staff throughout COPE is absolutely outstanding and works extremely hard to keep the clients happy and healthy. They showed such great care towards the clients and I hope this level of care can be spread to the USA!”

“I have extended my comfort level in working with adults with ID in the severe/profound range.”

“The most important thing I leaned from working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities is that there is a huge misconception about their abilities. Now that I’ve become more aware and my perceptions have changed, I can spread the word and help change other people’s (sometimes negative) perceptions.”

“(From a UFL student) The University of Georgia’s Study Abroad in Ireland: Developmental Disabilities program has given the Gator Nation a run for its money. If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what will.”

“I can’t believe how happy I am with this experience. I really have no regrets. I am coming home with new experiences, new friends and new outlook on intellectual disabilities, plus much more.”

“I learned that my potential impact does not have to be limited. In fact, it is limitless.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I learned so much about my field of study, intellectual disabilities, myself, traveling, and life in general — all in 6 weeks time! I don’t regret one thing. Thank you!”

“The most important thing I learned about myself if that I am capable of more than I think. Never in my life had I thought I’d enjoy and be good at working with this (ID) population. My confidence has increased and I’ve learned a lot of valuable skills about communication and social interaction.”

“I love this program! I would recommend it to anyone!! I learned so much and believe that the program helped me become even more comfortable working with various disabilities.”

“I thought the living arrangements were great!”

“The apartments started to feel like home during the program!”

“I believe the accommodations were perfect for what we needed and I felt very safe living there.”

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to travel and gain a really well rounded cultural experience!”

“I learned so much from the staff and students nurses (both practical and theoretical knowledge).”

“I was extremely fascinated by the COPE Foundation in general. I loved working with the staff and clients. Such a rewarding experience and one I will cherish for many years to come.”

“Great experience! I haven’t stopped talking about it since I have returned. My favorite part was the placements.”

“I loved working with the clients and I will never forget them or the staff I was lucky enough to work with.”

“Best experience of my life! Studying abroad in Ireland is the best decision I’ve ever made in my college career.”

“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.”