Hi all, my name is Reese Callahan, and I am a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am graduating from the Rehabilitation Science program in SHRS this December with certificates in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and Pathokinesiology in Rehabilitation. This summer, I am applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate programs to continue to pursue a career in physical therapy.

I decided to take a break from my summers typically spent serving and bartending in restaurants and taking ballet classes in my free time to engage in a study abroad experience. One of my good friends at Pitt is actually the one who really made me choose to go to Northern Ireland, in the first place. I have always been very hesitant about studying abroad. I always knew it would be a good experience, but I just wasn’t sure if I could be successful in a program so far out of my comfort zone. I am hoping that being out of my comfort zone will push me to be a stronger student and person in general.

My program is taking place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and it is the Inter-professional Studies in Health, Rehabilitation, and Education in Northern Ireland program through the CSD department in SHRS. I had known about this program since freshman year. It appealed to me because the class aligned well with my future aspirations, and the program is only two weeks. Two weeks feels like the perfect amount of time to be out of my comfort zone without feeling too overwhelmed. I am excited to learn more about their healthcare system, and the state of physical therapy in their country. Over the course of the program, I am hoping to learn to be more comfortable with change and adapting to the circumstances. I am also looking forward to visiting Northern Ireland and learning more about their culture, since my family has very Irish roots.

Through these blog posts, I am looking forward to fostering a community abroad to learn about other’s experiences but also to feel less alone in my own. I hope everyone enjoys their time on international shores!

Best, Reese