Hello again! I am nearing the end of my study abroad program in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Over the last few weeks we have studied Inter-professional Studies in Health, Rehabilitation, and Education in Northern Ireland. We had the privilege of staying at Stranmillis University, not far outside of Belfast City Center. Our days were action packed to benefit from this short program as much as possible. The day began with a traditional Irish fry for Breakfast. Typically, classes were Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Our lectures were well-crafted and scheduled prior to site visits to prepare us for the range of physical disabilities and neurodevelopment disorders we may encounter. Some days, classes were substituted for site visits at places such as, Harberton Special School, Hill Croft Special School, Mencap, and Cedar Foundation. Each of the site visits gave us either hands-on experience with the populations they serve or a rich knowledge of their foundation and its importance. We experienced how individualized care is provided for individuals with special educational needs. From being hands on with the children in a classroom setting, I learned how they function, how levels of cognitive abilities vary, and most importantly, how resilient and kind the children are.

Outside of the classroom we were grateful to experience the sights Northern Ireland had to offer. We spent a lot of time exploring Belfast City Center and everything in between it and Stranmillis University College. We took a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and drove up the Northern Coast of Ireland. Though breathtaking, this site visit was also helpful in indulging us in the Irish Culture.

Other ways we experienced this depth of culture was through three interview assignments. Each interview assignment was slightly different and came with the intention of getting to know culture through the person you interview; because of this, the people you interviewed had to be from a different culture than your own, and one specifically from Northern Ireland. These interviews were daunting at first, but I became much more comfortable with speaking to strangers as I progressed. Each person I interviewed was from a different generation: because of this, I was able to learn about the Irish culture through many different perspectives.

I look forward to continuing to learn about multidisciplinary work in the health care setting and applying this to my work in the future. I will never forget the experiences and valuable information I have learned on this trip so far!