1. SHRS Study Abroad in Ireland: the program and the challenges Janice E. Vance, Ph.D. Dept. of Communication Science and Disorders

2. A brief history of the program  How – originally sponsored by European Studies Center, UCIS  When – started in 2006  What – originally an Integrated Field Trip Abroad (IFTA) linked with a course: CSD 1011  Why – to provide a study abroad opportunity specifically for students in Communication Science (planning careers in Language Pathology and Audiology)  Who – rising CSD seniors

3. Since then…….  Developed into a multi-disciplinary program:  2007 – open to students majoring in Rehabilitation Sciences (future careers in PT, OT, PA)  2008 – open to CSD, RS Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition (CDN) and Athletic Training (AT)  Extended from 2 to 3 weeks  148 SHRS students have participated over the past 8 years  Future – 25 students a year – extend to 4 weeks

4. Group composition over the years  2006: CSD students (12)  2007: CSD and RS students (14)  2008: CSD, RS and CDN students (18)  2009: CSD, RS and CDN students (20)  2010: CSD, RS and CDN students (20)  2011: CSD, RS, CDN, AT students(20)  2012: CSD, RS, CDN, AT students (25)  2013: CSD, RS, AT students (19)  2014: CSD, RS, CDN, AT students (25)?

5. Wonderful colleagues  Lisa McDermott, Clinical Instructor, Sports Medicine and Nutrition (SMN)  Leslie-Ann Smedley, Senior Study Abroad Advisor  Kevin Conley, Assistant Professor, SMN  Lynne Fitzgerald, Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy (PT)  Amy Evans, Advisor, Rehabilitation Sciences (RS)  Cheryl Messick, Assoc Professor, Communication Science and Disorders  Chris Bise, Assistant Professor, PT

6. Ireland – one island, two countries

7. Belfast Capital of Northern Ireland Part of the United Kingdom Currency: Pounds £ Population of NI: 1.5 million Stable population, but increasing number of immigrants from eastern Europe Health and Education structure same as UK

8. Dublin  Capital and largest city in (Southern) Ireland (Eire, Republic of Ireland)  Ireland is an independent country from the UK  Currency: Euro €  Population of Ireland: 5 ½ million and growing  Multicultural city due to large immigration from Eastern Europe  Health and Education systems different from UK

9. Program Objectives  To provide students in the rehabilitation sciences with an opportunity to study abroad in a program related to their specific interests  To expose the students to different models of health care and education across three countries (USA, UK and Ireland)  To expose the students to clinical practice across a range of disciplines – developing interdisciplinary understanding and exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork – health and education

10. Topics addressed  Health care structure, delivery systems, referral and reimbursement (history, current issues)  Attitudes to disability  Scope of practice of each profession  Role of the interdisciplinary team in assessment and management  Public policy, economic and cultural issues affecting services and professional practice  Research for clinical practice and evidence-based care

11.  Resources and services for specific conditions and disabilities  Autism  Physical disability – children and adults  Cognitive (learning) disability - children  Speech and language disorders in children  Hearing and visual impairments in children  Swallowing deficits – children and adults  Nutritional deficits and diabetes  Stroke and head injury in adults  Acquired hearing deficits  Cochlear implants

12.  Belfast sites visited  University of Ulster  Clinical Dietetics – research and practice  University of Ulster  Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Rehabilitation Institute  Fleming Fulton School for children with physical disability  Harberton School for children with moderate learning deficits  Oakwood Special Unit for early autism intervention  Thornfield School – Language Learning Project  Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast  Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit  Jordanstown School for Children with Auditory or Visual Impairments

13.  Dublin sites visited  Deafhear (National Association for Deaf People) – hearing help program for adults with acquired hearing loss  St. James’s Teaching Hospital – SLP, PT, OT and CDN departments  Beacon Hospital – UPMC private hospital

14. Course Work  Prior to trip (Course CSD 1903 – 1 credit)  Discussions and quizzes on history and health care – US, UK and Ireland  Multidisciplinary presentations on disorders and conditions, and services for these in US  Preview of sites to be visited in Ireland  During and after trip (Course 1904 – 6 credits)  Records of Learning (ROLs) –academic, clinical reports  Group discussions lead by multi- disciplinary teams  Final case/disorder presentations  Final academic paper on chosen topic – in multi-disciplinary teams

15.  Weekends  Cultural visits to Belfast, Giant’s Causeway

16.  Dublin  Newgrange, Co. Meath  Cultural visits to megalithic passage tomb  Discussions and case presentations

17. And lots of fun ……. Guinness moustaches at the Guinness Factory, Dublin

18. Guinness Factory, Dublin Viking Tour - Dublin

19.  Cost for 2014:  In state: $3600 + +/- $350 (fees and insurance)  Covers:  Tuition (6 credits) and Study Abroad fees  Flight (Pittsburgh to Dublin return)  Travel within Ireland  Accommodation and breakfasts  Two cultural trips  Additional money required for lunches, evening meals and personal spending

20.  Dates (tentative) - extended to 4 weeks  April 29 th – May 28th th (May 1 st – 30 th )  Approx. 14 days in Belfast  Approx. 13 days in Dublin  Final 3 days in Newgrange  Flights organized through Study Abroad  Flights will be from Pittsburgh to Dublin return  Any cost difference for travel to and from different destination – responsibility of student  You may travel on in Europe after program  Travel before is not recommended

21.  Prep sessions in Spring term – sign up for CSD 1903 (1 credit)  Topics that we will cover:  1) History of Ireland  2) US, UK and Ireland health care structure and services  3) Range of disorders and conditions to be seen in Ireland  4) Study Abroad information on insurance and Study Abroad policy

22. Application requirements  Application to be submitted through Study Abroad Office  Statement of interest and personal qualities  2-3 short essays on:  US Health care structure – Northern Ireland, Ireland and US  Rehabilitation and multi-disciplinary practice  Academic goals  Interview – small group

23. Timeline  Applications due by Nov. 1 st by 12:00 PM  Group interviews will be scheduled by the third week in November  Decisions by Dec. 6 th  Confirmation of acceptance and enrollment in CSD 1903 by Jan. 6 th.  Enrollment for CSD 1904 International Studies – mid-February

24.  Accommodation:  1) Stranmillis University College, Belfast  http://www.stran.ac.uk/ http://www.stran.ac.uk/  http://www.stran.ac.uk/informationfor/undergr aduatestudents/studentservices/accommodati oncatering/ http://www.stran.ac.uk/informationfor/undergr aduatestudents/studentservices/accommodati oncatering/  2) Globetrotters Hostel, Dublin  http://www.globetrottersdublin.com/ http://www.globetrottersdublin.com/  3) Newgrange Lodge, Co. Meath  http://www.newgrangelodge.com http://www.newgrangelodge.com