Madelyn Manternach

Overall Experience

My time studying abroad in Ireland was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to grow both personally and academically. Being able to explore a new country while learning about a different approach to kinesiology made the trip especially meaningful. I enjoyed experiencing Ireland's history, culture, and natural beauty, but I also appreciated the opportunity to interact with professionals and students in the field.

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience I encountered was observing and learning about how kinesiology and healthcare are approached in Ireland compared to the United States. Seeing differences in clinical practices, education systems, and patient care helped me realize that there is not just one “correct” way to approach healthcare. From this experience, I learned the importance of being open-minded and adaptable when working in a healthcare setting. It also reinforced the value of cultural awareness and understanding how different systems can shape patient care and professional practice.

Memorable experience

One of the most memorable parts of my experience was being able to explore Ireland while also connecting what I was seeing to my field of study. Visiting different places and learning about the culture firsthand made the trip feel very real and meaningful, rather than just academic. What stood out most was realizing how welcoming the people were and how easily I was able to learn from conversations and observations in everyday settings. That combination of cultural experience and academic learning is what I will remember most from the program.

What did you not expect?

One thing that surprised me was how different healthcare and kinesiology practices can be while still being equally effective. I expected some differences, but I did not expect to see such variation in approaches, communication styles, and systems of care. This changed how I think about my future profession because it showed me that there are many valid ways to support and treat patients. Moving forward, I want to be more flexible and open-minded in how I approach learning and working in healthcare, rather than assuming there is only one standard way to do things.

What advice would you give?

My advice for other students is to go into the experience with an open mind and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Studying abroad is not just about travel, but about learning from new environments, people, and perspectives. I would also recommend taking advantage of every opportunity to engage with the culture and ask questions, especially related to your field of study. The more involved you are, the more meaningful the experience will be.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience had a meaningful impact on my personal, educational, and career goals. Personally, it helped me become more independent, confident, and open-minded by challenging me to adapt to a new environment and culture. Educationally, it broadened my understanding of kinesiology and healthcare by allowing me to compare practices in Ireland with those in the United States, which gave me a new perspective on the field. In terms of my long-term goals, we talked to many physicians in Ireland and this experience strengthened my interest in pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this international opportunity through my university when information about the study abroad program was shared with students. I was immediately interested because it offered a unique chance to travel internationally while also gaining educational experience related to my field. The opportunity to learn about another country's culture and compare different approaches within my field made the program especially appealing to me.

International Connections