Skeletons In The Closet
A US Student's reaction to Ulster
When I announced to my friends in the United States last April that I would be attending
the University of Ulster for physiotherapy, the reactions were interesting. The most
common was, "Where?". When explanations were offered, the next
question was usually, "Why?". In spite of those initial misgivings, I believe my
classmates and I feel we made a good
choice.
My classmates and I are the First class of students from America to attend the University
through a program set up by Shifrin Healthcare in New Jersey. The duration of our course
(Fastrack Physiotherapy) is two and a third years, as opposed to the normal four years.
The course content is the same, however. When we graduate we will pursue licensure in the
U.S., where we have a work obligation for Shifrin Healthcare for two years. We will also
he certified by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in the United Kingdom. The program
at the University is also seeking accreditation by
the American Physical Therapy Association.
Our class has a great deal of diversity, both in experience and geography. We
come from all over the United States, although the far western and New York/New Jersey
regions are heavily represented. All of us have had some university education prior to
coming to Ulster, and a majority have degrees already. All of us have worked in the
physiotherapy field to some extent prior to being accepted into the program. During our
time here we have developed into a tightly-knit group. We often socialize together and
have organized celebrations of the U.S. holidays such as Thanksgiving. During the last
term we shared some classes with the Irish and British students, and have made many
friends in those classes as well.
The faculty and staff here at the University of Ulster have been very supportive and
helpful to us in adjusting to our new
surroundings. After we were picked up at the airport, we were put up in university halls
for a time with a care package to get
us started. As we then moved into different housing, we received a great deal of
assistance in moving and Finding what we needed. The faculty wen' also good enough to
organize a day out in Omagh for the 4th of July holiday. The classroom
instruction has been very good overall, and I believe we all have felt challenged by the
curriculum at one time or another.
I think we have managed to adapt fairly well to life in Northern Ireland. It did take a
bit of time to adjust to the public trans-
portation system and finding our way around the shops. When one moves to a foreign
country, some things will naturally
be different than what one is used to, but I do feel we have all adjusted fairly well.
Overall, people have been very friendly
and helpful.
We have greatly enjoyed being able to get out and see the sights, both in the North and in
the Republic. The natural beauty
that we have encountered has been extraordinary.
One of the main concerns voiced by our families and friends in the U.S. was the
possibility of renewed sectarian violence
in Northern Ireland. Aside from some rioting in the Whiteabbey area during the Drumcree
stand-off last July, I do not
believe our class has had any major problems in that area. In spite of some flare-ups as
of late, all of the class are hopeful that the peace process will continue to go forward
for the sake of the future of Northern Ireland. We would much rather reflect on the good
things we have experienced since we have been here. Last November, two of my classmates
and I were invited to attend a soccer match at Glentoran F.C. in east Belfast. Just before
the kick-off, the PA. announcer welcomed us by name to the stadium. He then continued,
" We hope that you enjoy the match today and the rest of your visit to Northern
Ireland." The crowd then gave us a standing ovation. It is hard to make someone feel
more welcome than that.
As a class, we wish to thank the University for having us and the staff for their
friendship and assistance. We look forward to a positive future with the University of
Ulster.
By Steven Mather, M.A., A.T.,C
Physiotherapy 4117